Over 30 Jubilee, Opposition MPs cross over to the Federal Party of Kenya

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.PHOTO: COURTESY

Over 30 MPs from both Jubilee and the Opposition have reportedly crossed over to the Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) over fears nominations may not be free and fair.

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

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

At the same time, it has emerged a new political outfit - Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) - is set to be officially unveiled next month, and is already eliciting a lot of interest among youthful MPs. 

MDG will not field a presidential candidate but will instead support the newly formed National Super Alliance (NASA) 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 defending devolution.

FPK Secretary General Kennedy Okello said about 200 aspirants seeking to become MCAs, 30 parliamentary hopefuls and nine senatorial aspirants as well as four gubernatorial aspirants have already 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.

In the last election MPs Olago Aluoch (Kisumu Town West), Jared Kopiyo (Awendo), James K'oyoo (Muhoroni), Muluan Omondi (Alego Usonga) were elected on Ford Kenya, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Wiper Party tickets respectively after failing to land ODM's blessing.

Okello claimed MPs from both sides of the political divide have expressed fears they may be rigged out during nominations expected to be hotly contested, especially in Jubilee and ODM strongholds.

"We have received many applications from leaders elected on both Jubilee and ODM tickets. We have accepted them and promised to give each a fair chance," said Okello.

Most of those eyeing FPK tickets are from Kilifi, Tana River, Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu, Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia and Kirinyaga. Okello said his party has a pact with CORD and that is why they will support Raila Odinga's bid. 

This came as ODM Chairman John Mbadi assured of free and fair nominations. "We have stated anyone paying a party official to get a nomination certificate is being conned," he said.