In Kenya, political party membership is a key aspect of the political landscape. However, some Kenyans have found themselves unknowingly registered as members of political parties. This could occur due to various reasons, including administrative errors, manipulation, or fraudulent activities. The good news is that there is a legal process to deregister from a political party, ensuring your rights and personal preferences are respected.
If you find yourself in such a situation, this guide will walk you through the steps to deregister from a political party in Kenya. The process is straightforward and involves a few key actions, which we will explore in detail below.
Why Would You Want to Deregister from a Political Party?
Before we dive into the steps for deregistration, it’s important to understand why someone might want to leave a political party. Here are a few common reasons:
- Unwilling Membership: You may have been registered without your consent, whether through a clerical error or a fraudulent act.
- Change in Political Beliefs: Your political views may evolve, and you may no longer align with the party you initially registered with.
- Joining Another Party: If you decide to join a different political party, deregistering from the previous one is a necessary step.
- Legal Compliance: Deregistering ensures that you are compliant with electoral laws, especially during elections.
Key Legal Provisions in Kenya’s Political Party Membership Laws
In Kenya, the law governing political party registration and deregistration is outlined under the Political Parties Act, which is administered by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). According to the Act:
- Consent Requirement: Political parties are required to obtain consent from individuals before enrolling them as members.
- Deregistration Rights: A person has the right to deregister from a political party at any time.
- Electoral Integrity: Deregistration is especially important during election periods to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
If you find that your details were added to a political party’s register without your consent, you have every right to have them removed, and the procedure is relatively simple.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Deregister from a Political Party in Kenya
Follow these steps to ensure your name is removed from a political party’s membership list:
1. Write a Letter of Resignation to the Political Party
The first step in the deregistration process is to formally notify the political party that you wish to resign your membership. This is done by writing a resignation letter that includes your full details.
- What to Include in the Letter:
- Your full name
- Your ID number
- The political party name you are resigning from
- A statement confirming that you are resigning from the party
- Your signature (if submitting a physical copy)
Example of a resignation letter:
csharpCopyEdit[Your Full Name]
[Your ID Number]
[Your Address]
[Date]
To:
[Political Party Name]
[Party's Address]
Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: Resignation from [Political Party Name]
I am writing to formally resign from my membership in [Political Party Name]. Kindly remove my details from your membership list, as I no longer wish to be associated with the party. Please treat this letter as my formal resignation.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Full Name]
2. Attach a Copy of Your ID
To process your resignation, the political party requires proof of your identity. This is done by attaching a clear copy of your National ID or passport (if applicable) to your resignation letter.
- Why is the ID Important?: The ID serves as proof that the resignation request is coming from the individual registered with the party. It also helps the registrar cross-check your details and ensure the request is genuine.
3. Send the Resignation Letter to the Political Party
Once you have drafted your resignation letter and attached a copy of your ID, send the documents to the political party you are resigning from. This can be done by:
- Hand-delivering the documents to the party’s office
- Mailing the resignation letter to the party’s registered address
Important Note:
The resignation letter must be addressed directly to the political party. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) only receives copies of your resignation letter, not the original.
4. Send a Copy of the Resignation Letter to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP)
Once you have informed the political party of your resignation, the next step is to send a copy of your resignation letter to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).
- How to Submit:
- By Hand: You can physically deliver the letter to the ORPP office, which is located at Lions Place, 1st Floor, Karuna Close, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi.
- By Email: Alternatively, you can scan your resignation letter and email it to info@orpp.or.ke.
What the ORPP Does:
The ORPP will update its records to reflect your resignation from the party. They will ensure that your details are removed from their database.
5. Follow Up for Confirmation
While the deregistration process is straightforward, it’s essential to follow up with the ORPP to ensure your resignation has been processed. You can contact them using the details provided below:
- Phone: 020 4022000
- Email: info@orpp.or.ke
It’s advisable to keep a copy of all correspondence for your records.
Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) Contact Information
For further assistance or to inquire about the deregistration process, you can contact the ORPP directly using the following details:
- Head Office Address: Lions Place, 1st Floor, Karuna Close, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi
- Phone: 020 4022000
- Email: info@orpp.or.ke
Important Considerations When Deregistering from a Political Party
- Timing: Ensure you follow the process in a timely manner, especially if you plan to register with a different party or need to confirm your political status for elections.
- Legal Assistance: If you face any challenges, consider seeking legal advice, particularly if you suspect your registration was fraudulent or if there are complications during the deregistration process.
- Election Periods: If you are deregistering during an election year, ensure that your details are removed well in advance to avoid any discrepancies.
Protecting Your Political Rights in Kenya
Deregistering from a political party in Kenya is an essential process that ensures your political rights are respected. Whether you’re opting out of a party you didn’t join, changing political affiliations, or simply exercising your right to choose, the steps outlined above will guide you in deregistering smoothly.
Remember, the process is straightforward, but persistence is key. If you face any challenges, don’t hesitate to contact the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. Your right to free association and the protection of your personal information is important, and the ORPP is there to help.
If you’ve found yourself unknowingly registered with a political party or simply wish to switch your allegiance, start the deregistration process today. For any questions or if you require assistance, reach out to the ORPP via email or phone. Protect your political freedom and ensure your details are correctly reflected in the party register.