Afresh storm has erupted within the National Economic Development Party (NEDP) after party leader Mike Sonko publicly accused senior party officials of illegally demanding money from aspirants and members seeking opportunities within the party.
In a strongly worded statement on Facebook, Sonko announced the immediate suspension of all party registration activities and operations as the party moves to address what he termed as growing internal challenges threatening the movement.
“We are suspending all registration and activities of our party as we address rising concerns where some members and officials are illegally asking for money to register people and give aspirants a chance,” Sonko said.
The former Nairobi Governor specifically singled out NEDP Secretary General Ben Mulwa, accusing him of involvement in complaints raised by aspirants from Kwale County.
According to Sonko, several party aspirants contacted him, claiming they had been asked to pay money in order to secure opportunities to contest under the party ticket.
“Aspirants called me and complained that they were being asked to pay money to become party aspirants. That is wrong,” he stated.
The controversy also extended to the party’s recent activities in Kwale during the opening of NEDP offices in Ukunda, where Sonko claimed officials acted outside established party procedures.
He alleged that Secretary General Ben Mulwa and Executive Director Dan Onsomu proceeded to announce county leadership positions without consulting the party leadership.
“We wish to clarify that no one has been elected or officially nominated into the Kwale County party leadership structure at this stage,” Sonko said.
“All county leadership positions shall be filled through a free, fair, and democratic process by the party. Therefore, any positions announced today are null, void, and hereby revoked pending the official party process.”
Sonko further suggested that attempts to address concerns within the party had instead triggered internal resistance and social media battles.
“My only mistake was listening to the genuine concerns of loyal aspirants and members, including women who felt frustrated,” he said.
He warned against what he described as selfish interests threatening to weaken the party.
“There will be no imposition or endorsement of leaders in this party. Leaders must be chosen by party members and the people, not imposed by individuals,” Sonko said.
“We shall not allow a few greedy individuals driven by selfish interests to derail our movement.”
The latest developments expose widening cracks within NEDP as the party leadership faces mounting pressure to resolve internal disputes and restore confidence among its members and aspiring candidates.