Senators yesterday were divided over a proposal to curb party-hopping. Some argued it strengthens democracy, while others said it derails democratic gains.
They differed during debate on the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee report on IEBC reforms. The senators adopted the proposal.
Siaya Senator James Orengo said curbing party-hopping will ensure people stick to demands of their party.
“We need to develop strong political parties identified by what they stand for. Once somebody has made a choice to join a political party, they should stand by its demands, because we are not in competition,” Orengo said.
Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi said curbing party-hopping will ensure politicians take parties seriously by abiding by their rules. He said those opposed should run as independent candidates. “It is important we strengthen political parties to reduce chaos in nominations, ensuring it does not follow us to elections. This is what we want to cure. This provision is targeting political acrobats,” Murungi said.
Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar and his Migori counterpart Wilfred Machage opposed the proposal. They said it violates democratic rights of aspirants seeking re-election on a different party ticket after being rigged out through unfair nominations. The provision recommends that names of persons seeking a political party’s ticket be published in the official Kenya Gazette so they do not shift to another political party for a ticket.
Busia Senator Amos Wako supported the proposal, but with reservations. He demanded gazettement of individuals nominated by a party be done after the process, to give leeway to persons complaining of being rigged out to contest as independents. “I agree with the report 80 per cent, because it is a negotiated agreement. However, strong transitions should be adopted by political parties in their nominations to avoid complaints and party-hopping,” he said.
Orengo and Murungi called for dialogue whenever the country is faced with a political problem.