Nairobi, Kenya---October 5, 2006—Madaraka Party of Kenya has finally got the registrar’s nod. Interim officials say they have received the certificate of registration. “We are now a bona fide political party, and the voiceless youth now have a chance to compete with the elite in the 2007 elections”, says a jubilant interim Treasurer, Peter Kironyoh.
According to the officials, the Senior Deputy Registrar, Ms. Lucy Waithaka, informed the interim Chairperson, Chris Kiliko, about the party’s registration two weeks ago, indicating that the certificate had been mailed. “But it has been over a year, and we had already changed the box number. We finally managed to reactivate the old number.” Says Kironyoh.
On whether they have lost too much time, the officials say they are still within schedule. “Sure we have lost 9 months on the registration issue, but we will be ready to field candidates in all the 210 parliamentary seats” says a confident Tegi Obanda, a founder member.
The officials say the party can now push for comprehensive constitutional reforms in an official capacity. “Under the auspices of the Coalition for Constitutional Reforms, the party will join other progressive Kenyans in the struggle for a people driven constitution before 2007 elections,” says Obanda.
According to its website http://madaraka-
“Only through empowering youth can Kenya expect to transform into a 21st century knowledge economy. Yet today, youth are marginalized socially, economically, and politically. They are the true proletariats. To give the youth a chance to contest for seats is the most liberating and democratizing activity at this point in our history.” Says Tegi Obanda.
