Natembeya, Registrar of Political Parties Push for Peaceful Elections, Warn Against Rising Political Violence

 The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has intensified efforts to promote peaceful political engagement ahead of the next election cycle, with Registrar of Political Parties JC Lorionokou calling on political leaders and citizens to embrace issue-based campaigns and reject violence.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya at the county headquarters in Kitale, Mr. Lorionokou said preparations for the upcoming elections were already underway and emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

The visit forms part of a week-long nationwide tour by the ORPP aimed at strengthening engagement with regional offices and enhancing service delivery across the country.

Mr. Lorionokou noted that the Registrar currently operates 30 regional offices and plans are underway to expand services to all 47 counties.

"We are here to connect with the regions, to listen, and to strengthen collaboration. The support we have received here in Trans Nzoia is commendable. We have not received complaints, and that accessibility is appreciated," he said.

The Registrar stressed that political parties and candidates must operate within the law as the country gears up for the next electoral cycle.

"Preparations for the next election cycle are already underway, expected to kick off around July or August, leading to party nominations early next year. We want candidates to campaign and participate within the law," he said.

He underscored the importance of strengthening political institutions through capacity building and effective regulation of parties, arguing that such measures are critical in preventing election-related violence.

"We must learn from past experiences. Violence has no place in our politics. Strong institutions and meaningful engagement from parties and the public are the way forward," he added.

Governor Natembeya welcomed the Registrar's team but expressed concern over what he described as the growing normalization of political violence in Kenya.

"Violence has become deeply ingrained in our politics. Some people cannot safely participate in certain areas, and the lack of action against perpetrators has bred impunity," he said.

The governor also criticized the current political party funding framework, arguing that it disproportionately benefits established parties while locking out emerging political formations.

"This unfairness kills democratic competition. New parties with fresh ideas often struggle because they lack access to resources, while larger parties continue to dominate," he said.

Natembeya further lamented what he termed the increasing ethnicization of party politics, saying many Kenyans perceive support for certain political parties as a betrayal of their communities.

"Running under a certain party is seen as betraying your community. Politics is viewed as a way to enrich oneself, not as service. This perception discourages good people from joining politics," he said.

The governor called for comprehensive reforms to promote tolerance, issue-based politics, and civic education among voters.

"We need a system where competition is healthy, where opponents can shake hands after elections. Civic education is key to helping citizens understand politics as service, not personal gain," he said.

He also urged stakeholders to tackle the influence of money in politics, saying leadership positions should be determined by ideas, competence, and service rather than financial muscle.

"Merit and ideas, not financial power, should determine outcomes. We must promote a culture of healthy competition, mutual respect, and focus on serving the people," Natembeya said.

The meeting comes as political parties and election stakeholders begin laying the groundwork for the country's next electoral cycle, amid renewed calls for reforms aimed at fostering peaceful, inclusive, and democratic political processes.