The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has launched a nationwide capacity-building programme targeting various groups in society in a bid to ensure an all-inclusive electoral process come 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kitale after closing a one-week sensitization programme which culminated with training of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou said Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) is out to ensure all groups are empowered to participate fully in electoral processes as required by the constitution.
“The whole of this week we have been in Trans Nzoia fulfilling the mandate of ensuring all players within the political space are empowered. We are establishing structures and sensitizing members on processes so that no one is left out of exercising their right to representation,” Lorionokou said adding that the other groups sensitized were county politics party officials, women, youth, and Faith Based Organizations.
He stressed that the Kenya Constitution 2010 guarantees all groups, including PWDs, the right to be party members without discrimination and urged them to take part in party nominations and candidacy.
“I call on members of political parties including PWDs, to participate early in sensitization so they understand nomination rules. Do not be bystanders. This is the primary process that determines who runs the country,” he said.
He added that ORPP is engaging political party leaders to address electoral challenges and promote safe voting and good governance.
“Political parties are the beginning of everything. If we cannot build stable parties, we will have a runaway democratic system with no respect. We want resilient institutions that uphold democratic values,” he stated.
PWDs who attended thanked ORPP and IEBC for the initiative. Lucy Amakovhe urged the agencies to ensure polling stations have ramps and trained assistants.
“We thank ORPP and IEBC for this training. Please ensure voting areas have fitted ramps and assistants ready to help PWDs,” Amakovhe said.
Another PWD representative, Ojiambo Peace, cited lack of representation at the county assembly as a major challenge and encouraged PWDs to vie for elective seats.
“Our big problem is lack of a representative. With this training we can step forward and take up our spaces. I urge PWDs not to be shy but to vie for positions as provided in the Constitution,” Peace said.
The sensitization is part of countrywide fora by ORPP and IEBC to promote inclusive participation ahead of 2027.
Present was ORPP coordinator for Trans Nzoia, West Pokot and Turkana counties Serah Wachira among others.
By Isaiah Nayika and Sandra Omondi
