The Judiciary/ FILE
The Centre for Multiparty Democracy has moved to the High Court to challenge what it describes as the continued unlawful underfunding of political parties in the proposed 2026/2027 national budget.
The case was filed under a certificate of urgency by advocate Frank Walukwe on behalf of former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, who is suing in his capacity as chairperson of CMD-Kenya.
In the application, CMD-Kenya seeks to stop Parliament from tabling, debating and passing the Appropriations Bill, 2026, arguing that the proposed allocation to the Political Parties Fund falls below the minimum threshold required under the law.
According to the Political Parties Act, the Political Parties Fund should receive at least 0.3 per cent of national government revenue.
CMD-Kenya argues that the proposed allocation violates that legal requirement and threatens the functioning of political parties ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a significant development on Thursday, William Musyoka certified the matter as urgent and granted leave for substantive judicial review proceedings to proceed against the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, the National Assembly and the Registrar of Political Parties.
The case is scheduled for hearing on June 9, 2026.
During the hearing, the court is expected to determine whether Parliament should be barred from debating and passing the Appropriations Bill, 2026, on grounds that the proposed allocation allegedly contravenes the Political Parties Act.
CMD-Kenya said persistent underfunding of political parties weakens Kenya’s constitutional democracy and undermines the institutional development of political parties.
The organisation further argued that inadequate financing affects the ability of parties to carry out their democratic functions, including civic engagement, policy development and election preparedness.
“Persistent underfunding of the Fund undermines constitutional democracy, weakens political party institutionalisation, and limits the ability of political parties to effectively discharge their democratic mandate including preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Election,” CMD-Kenya said in a statement.
The organisation maintained that proper financing of political parties is necessary for strengthening Kenya’s multiparty system and promoting inclusive political participation.
“Adequate and lawful funding of political parties is critical for strengthening Kenya’s multiparty democracy, promoting inclusive political participation, and safeguarding constitutional governance,” the statement added.
The Political Parties Fund has in recent years remained a contentious issue, with political parties repeatedly raising concerns over delayed disbursements and allocations they say fall below the legal threshold.
The fund supports activities such as party operations, civic education, promotion of women, youth and persons with disabilities in political processes, as well as administrative functions.
CMD-Kenya, a membership organisation bringing together
political parties across the political divide, says its mandate includes
promoting inclusive, accountable and vibrant multiparty democracy in Kenya.
