Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu has condemned Thursday's torching of UDA party offices in Siaya County, warning that the trend may lead to political intolerance in the country.
In a statement on Thursday, Nderitu called on organisers of the mass protests to restrain their supporters from violence as they exercise their right to demonstrate under Article 37 of the Constitution.
She said the vandalism violates Article 38 of the Constitution which guarantees the right for political parties to open and operate offices anywhere in the country.
"The attack on political party offices is unacceptable and goes against the principles of making sound political choices. These acts claw back the gains of democracy," she said.
The torching of UDA's Siaya offices came barely two weeks after protesters in Kisumu burnt the party's offices and two vehicles.
Nderitu called on Kenyans to adopt new ways of expressing divergent political opinions devoid of violence and abide by the Code of Conduct for Political Parties.
The First Schedule of the Political Parties Act (PPA) requires party officials, members and supporters to refrain from any form of violence.
The RPP said political activities should never be used to the detriment of other people saying diversity in opinions is the hallmark of Kenya's democracy.
"It is in this respect that the planners of the demonstrations should take the lead in ensuring their supporters do not propagate violence. Further, we call upon the well-meaning supporters, members and officials of all political parties to observe fidelity to the PPA and desist from all forms of violence," Nderitu said.
She said her office has launched investigations into the torching of the UDA offices as part of its mandate to regulate political parties in the country.
