The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has rejected the application of 10 proposed Gen Z political party names,

They are citing a lack of inclusivity.

Registrar Ann Nderitu stated that the applications violated Article 91 (1) (a) (e) of the Constitution.

Therefore, it could not be approved.

Article 91 of the Constitution mandates that

A political party must have “a national character as prescribed by an Act of Parliament”

Furthermore, it must “respect the right of all persons to participate in the political process, including minorities and marginalized groups.”

The applicant, Simon Maina Mwangi, sought to reserve the following party names: Gen-Z Movement, Gen-Z National Movement,

Gen Z Alliance Movement, Gen Z Democratic Movement, Gen Z People’s Alliance, Gen Z United Movement,

Gen-Z People’s Movement, Gen-Z Political Party, Gen-Z Democratic Party, and Gen-Z Alliance Party.

In a related development, a petition has been filed before the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal.

Aiming to compel Nderitu to register “The Gen Z Party” as an official political entity.

James Ogega, the petitioner, made this application after the Registrar of Political Parties denied his request to reserve and register the name.

Despite him having paid the required fees.

“Three weeks after making the application, the appellant received a call on July 16, 2024.

From an officer of the Respondent that there was a letter from the Registrar of Political Parties for his collection,”

Read the official court documents.

ORPP has set stringent requirements to ensure that new political entities promote inclusivity.

Further, to represent the interests of all segments of society.

The outcome of this case will be closely watched as it may set a precedent for future political party registrations in Kenya.