Registrar of Political Parties John Lorionokou and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in Kitale on June 5, 2026The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties is seeking to expand its operations by opening branch offices in almost all counties as part of efforts to improve public access to its services ahead of next year's general election.
Registrar of Political Parties John Lorionokou paid a courtesy call on Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya as part of an ongoing nationwide tour aimed at strengthening collaboration between the ORPP and county governments.
He said the visit was part of engagements targeting regional offices across the country.
Lorionokou said the registrar currently operates 30 regional offices and is working towards expanding its presence to all 47 counties.
“Our plan is to have a presence in all parts of the country so that we can be easily accessed and offer better services to Kenyans,” he said.
According to the registrar, the objective of the tour is to enhance accessibility, improve service delivery and strengthen engagement with political parties and stakeholders at the grassroots level.
“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.
Lorionokou said preparations for the next electoral cycle are already underway, with political activities expected to intensify in the coming months.
The registrar called on political leaders, aspirants and supporters to uphold the rule of law and conduct their campaigns peacefully, warning against actions that could undermine national cohesion.
“We want candidates to campaign and participate within the law. Preparations for the next election cycle are already underway and are expected to begin around July or August, leading to party nominations early next year,” he said.
Lorionokou stressed that preventing political violence remains a priority and highlighted the need for stronger institutions, civic engagement and continuous capacity building for political parties.
“We must learn from past experiences. Violence has no place in our politics. Strong institutions and meaningful engagement from political parties and the public are the way forward,” he said.
Natembeya welcomed the ORPP delegation and used the opportunity to highlight challenges affecting the country's political landscape.
The governor expressed concern over rising political intolerance and the persistence of violence in some parts of the country, noting that fear and intimidation continue to discourage citizens from fully participating in democratic processes.
“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,” Natembeya said.
He said political competition should be based on ideas and service delivery rather than intimidation and hostility.
The governor also questioned the current framework for political party financing, arguing it disproportionately benefits larger political parties while limiting opportunities for emerging parties and independent voices.
According to Natembeya, equitable access to resources is essential in promoting healthy democratic competition and encouraging innovation in political leadership.
“This unfairness kills democratic competition. Emerging political formations with fresh ideas often struggle because they lack the resources available to larger parties,” he said.
The governor further lamented the growing perception that politics is primarily a vehicle for personal enrichment rather than public service, saying such attitudes discourage capable and well-intentioned individuals from seeking leadership positions.
“Running under a certain party is often viewed as betraying your community. Politics is seen as a way to enrich oneself rather than serve the people. This perception discourages many good leaders from joining politics,” he said.
Natembeya emphasised the importance of civic education in transforming political culture and empowering citizens to make informed decisions.
He called for sustained efforts by government agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to educate voters on the importance of issue-based politics, accountability and peaceful coexistence.
“We need a system where competition is healthy and where opponents can shake hands after elections. Civic education is key to helping citizens understand politics as service and not personal gain,” Natembeya said.
The governor also urged stakeholders to address the growing influence of money in politics, arguing that leadership positions should be earned through merit, integrity and ideas 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.
