National Democracy Expansion Party Seeks ORPP Action on National Economic Development Party Name Dispute

 

By Elijah Odanga 

The National Democracy Expansion Party (NDEP) has formally petitioned the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to cancel the name approval of the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), citing alleged non compliance with the Political Parties Act, 2011.

In a press statement issued on Friday, NDEP Secretary General Thaddaeus Oluoch Jauga said the party had lodged an official request challenging the approval of NEDP at the second stage of registration. He argued that the newly approved party’s name, acronym, and branding closely resemble those of NDEP, creating a high risk of public and voter confusion.

Jauga said the request is grounded in Section 8(b) and (c) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, which prohibits the registration or approval of a political party whose name, abbreviation, symbol, or colours closely resemble those of an already registered party in a manner likely to mislead the public.

According to NDEP, the party has been duly registered since December 21, 2021, while NEDP received name approval on December 9, 2025. He noted that both parties use four letter acronyms with similar vowel placement, making them visually and phonetically indistinguishable to the general public.

“The similarity between NDEP and NEDP violates mandatory legal provisions,” Jauga said, adding that both party names begin with the word National and end with Party, further reinforcing the likelihood of mistaken identity.

NDEP also raised concerns over what it described as duplication of party colours and branding. The statement said NEDP’s use of a white and blue colour scheme, including an abbreviation within a circular design, mirrors NDEP’s established identity.

The party warned that the similarities pose a serious risk of misleading voters on ballot papers, campaign materials, civic education forums, and in media reporting.

Jauga criticised what he termed a failure of process over substance, arguing that publication of a party name alone cannot override statutory requirements. “Publication is meant to notify the public, not to replace compliance with the law,” he said.

He emphasised that the action is not motivated by hostility or personal interest, but is a principled stand to defend the law, institutional integrity, and the credibility of Kenya’s multiparty democratic system.

NDEP has formally called on the ORPP to cancel the name approval of NEDP, conduct a proper and lawful similarity assessment between the two parties, and ensure strict future compliance by rejecting party names, acronyms, symbols, or colour schemes that resemble those of existing registered parties.

The party has issued a seventy two hour ultimatum, factoring in the weekend period, for the ORPP to take corrective action. Failure to act within the stated period, NDEP warned, would compel it to mobilise its membership and supporters for lawful and peaceful demonstrations against both the ORPP and NEDP.

“This notice is not a threat, but a constitutional assertion of our democratic rights,” Jauga said, adding that silence or inaction in the face of illegality would not be accepted.

As of the time of publication, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties had not issued an official response to the claims.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HRMPEB Certifies Record 1,130 New HR Professionals, Marking a Defining Moment for Kenya’s Workforce

Image
Reporting by Jameson Mutua  Nairobi, October 24, 2025 — Kenya’s Human Resource profession reached a historic milestone on Friday as the Human Resource Management Professionals Examination Board (HRMPEB) certified its largest cohort to date, 1,130 new Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRPs). The landmark event, held at Jamhuri Park along Ngong Road, was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a powerful testament to dedication, resilience, and professional excellence. Speaking during the ceremony, officials emphasized that the certification marks more than just numbers; it symbolizes the growth of a profession that sits at the heart of organizational transformation. Each newly certified professional, they noted, represents countless hours of study, personal sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to advancing people management in Kenya. This year’s cohort represents a significant increase from 708 graduates in 2024, underscoring the rising confidence in the CH...
Read more

What President William Samoei Ruto said was not reckless. It was responsible. It was lawful. It was necessary

Image
  When the President said police should shoot in the leg, rush the terrorism suspect to hospital, then take them to court — he was not calling for extra-judicial killings. He was simply restating what the law already provides. Section 61 of the National Police Service Act gives officers the power to use reasonable and proportional force — including their firearms — to protect life and property. Those guns, bought with our taxes, are not ceremonial ornaments. They are tools of law enforcement — and when life, public safety or national stability is under threat, the police must not hesitate to use them appropriately. If a terrorist tries to burn down a police station or a looter attempts to torch a market or hospital — the police have a duty to act swiftly, firmly and lawfully. To disable, not to execute. To preserve life, not take it. But also, to protect innocent citizens, not watch helplessly. When a bullet departs the barrel of a gun, death , even though unintended, is one of the...
Read more

Journalists Assaulted During Chaotic DCP Party Launch in Nairobi

Image
  By East Africa Times Reporter   What was meant to be a political milestone quickly descended into disgrace and violence on Thursday, as the launch of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Nairobi turned chaotic and hostile, leaving at least two journalists assaulted and media equipment destroyed. Held along Musa Gitau Road, the event was marred by disorder, poor planning, and total disregard for safety and press freedom. Eyewitnesses say the violence broke out when unidentified individuals forced their way into the venue, leading to a stampede-like situation. Hired private security and bouncers retreated by firing gunshots in the air to control the goons. In the mayhem, the bouncers turned their aggression toward journalists, physically attacking them and forcing them to delete footage documenting the chaos. Two major media houses reportedly suffered equipment damage, further highlighting the reckless and lawless nature of the gathering. Shockingly, there was no police p...
Read more