The United Republican Party (URP) has moved an inch closer to taming perceived 'rebels' said to be promoting ideologies that are not consistent with its policies.
Unlike the Orange Democratic Movement, URP has sent a warning that should the individuals targeted not toe the line, they will be reprimanded by the party's National Executive Council (NEC).
URP Chairman Bare Shill said they will not tolerate members who promote the ideologies of another party and cause havoc in the party that sponsored them to elective positions.
"Those abusing or going against the policies and the manifesto of the party that sponsored them cannot continue to enjoy that sponsorship. The party will dialogue with them and if that fails, they will be stripped of their party membership, suspended or even expelled," said Mr Shill.
The Fafi MP explained that the Political Parties Act 2011 section 14 states that one cannot promote the ideologies, interests, or policies of another party. One is deemed to have resigned from the previous political party in the event this happens.
He said URP tolerates divergent views, adding that having a different opinion is not a rebellion to the party position, policy or strategy to warrant expulsion, but will not allow members to cause divisions.
The party has warned Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto to go slow on the referendum push or face disciplinary action.
URP Secretary General Fred Muteti said should Mr Ruto continue to undermine the party, they will summon him to appear before a parliamentary committee.
"We had a case of Bomet Members of County Assembly and they were warned and they pledged to remain loyal to the party," said Mr Muteti.
Muteti said the Political Parties Act was put in place so that parties could be transformed into institutions of governance and democracy where leadership is nurtured.
He defended the party against claims that it was raiding The National Alliance (TNA) political turf in Embu County where 17 members ditched TNA for URP.
"In Jubilee we had agreed that both Embu and Tharaka Nithi is a neutral ground and either of the party can field candidates separately and even recruit members," said Muteti.
He clarified that all current officials are on an interim basis after the formation of the political party and have a term of three years before an election is conducted.
democratically elected
Article 91 of the Constitution states that every political party shall be run by democratically elected officials.
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"After the recruitment drive and strengthening of the structures and caucuses of the party, we shall undertake grassroot elections, branch elections, and also establish a national register for the delegates and later a National Delegates Conference to elect new party officials and launch our new party manifesto and strategic plan," said Shill.
Shill hinted that the party is planning to register over 10 million members and they are targeting high school leavers and those acquiring identity cards.
"We want to re-brand the offices, launch the offices, build capacity for the leadership at the branch level and recruit members. Anyone above 18 years should acquire an ID, URP membership card and a voter's card," said Shill during a press conference at URP Headquarters yesterday. Ruto recently told URP to stop interfering in the running of county assemblies in the party's strongholds.
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