This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
The registrar of political parties, Ann Nderitu, has sparked a potential legal battle by rejecting an application to register a new party called Unity and Reform Party.
The applicants, who had paid for the reservation of the party, claim that Nderitu's office had taken them in circles before issuing the rejection letter dated May 22, 2019.
According to the applicants' lawyer, Solomon Mugo, the registrar cited non-compliance with the Political Parties Act as the reason for rejecting the application.
However, the applicants argue that the name of their proposed party is not in conflict with the Act, and they have warned Nderitu to be prepared for a legal duel if she fails to provide satisfactory reasons for the rejection.
The proposed party, Unity and Reform Party, bears a striking resemblance to the URP formed by William Ruto before it folded in 2012 to form Jubilee following an alliance with Uhuru Kenyatta's TNA.
Former Jubilee party vice chairman David Murathe has made sensational remarks about Ruto's future in the party, suggesting that he may not remain a member until the 2022 elections.
