Two new political parties formed by ODM politicians

Two new political parties have been formed by ODM politicians who fear the party may deny them nomination tickets.

One is the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG), which has been registered by youthful MPs from Nyanza.

The other is the Federal Party of Kenya (FPK), which has its roots in the same region, and is already giving out nomination forms.

Both parties will support the opposition presidential candidate but will field contestants against ODM at all other levels.

There are reports over 30 MPs from Jubilee and the Opposition have already crossed over to the news outfits.

The MPs are said to have secretly filled application forms seeking to join the parties ahead of August polls.

There are reports more ODM and Jubilee MPs are considering joining other parties as tension over nominations mounts, especially with enactment of a rule barring party hopping. 

MDG will be unveiled next month. The planned launch has elicited a lot of interest among youthful MPs. 

MDG will not field a presidential candidate but will instead support the National Super Alliance  flag bearer. This signals the onset of major realignments in political parties and alliances as they deal with the issue of bungled primaries and sycophancy that has seen undeserving candidates handed nomination certificates.

Aspirants will be seeking to ensure their names will be on the ballot early enough as the law will not allow them to shift at some point.

MDG has opened 28 offices across the country. The party plans to base its campaigns on a pledge to fight corruption and defend devolution.

 PARLIAMENTARY HOPEFULS 

FPK Secretary General Kennedy Okello said about 200 aspirants seeking to become MCAs, 30 parliamentary hopefuls, nine senatorial and four gubernatorial aspirants have returned their forms ahead of their nominations.

The areas where nominations could prove to be a challenge for ODM include, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya. The party has massive following in these regions.

Okello claimed MPs from both sides of the political divide have expressed fear they may be rigged out in nominations expected to be hotly contested, especially in Jubilee and ODM zones. “We have received applications from leaders elected on both Jubilee and ODM tickets."

This came as ODM Chairman John Mbadi assured aspirants of free and fair nominations.