Sonko Insists on Party Discipline and Integrity for NEDP Officials
National Economic Development Party (NEDP) leader Mike Sonko has intensified his campaign to instill discipline and accountability within the party, declaring that integrity will remain the cornerstone of the political outfit as it prepares for future electoral contests.
In a fresh statement issued on Saturday, Sonko said the party would not tolerate any official, member or individual purporting to represent NEDP who engages in fraud, extortion or misconduct.
"We shall not allow any member of the public, party member or aspirant to be swindled, exploited or defrauded by anyone purporting to act on behalf of the party," Sonko said
He added that accountability, transparency and discipline will remain the foundation of the party's leadership.
The latest declaration comes after months of internal reforms within the young party, which has been rocked by leadership disputes and allegations that some officials were soliciting money from members and aspiring candidates in exchange for party positions and nomination promises.
In May, Sonko suspended all party activities to pave the way for investigations into claims that rogue officials were demanding payments from supporters and aspirants.
He subsequently revoked appointments that had been announced during the launch of NEDP offices in Kwale County, insisting that all party officials must be elected or appointed strictly through the party's constitutional and democratic processes rather than unilateral declarations by individuals.
The reforms also saw disciplinary action taken against senior party officials, including the suspension of Secretary General Ben Mulwa over alleged misconduct, insubordination and operating outside established party structures.
Sonko maintained that no individual, regardless of rank, would be exempt from disciplinary action if found to have violated the party's code of conduct.
According to Sonko, the clean-up exercise is aimed at restoring public confidence in NEDP and ensuring that the party remains true to its founding principles of transparency, economic empowerment and ethical leadership.
Since unveiled NEDP in December last year with the outfit consequently fielding its first candidates in the February by-elections.
Sonko has repeatedly maintained that the party seeks to offer Kenyans a credible political alternative built on integrity, democratic participation and service to wananchi rather than personal interests.
Party insiders say the latest warning signals a tougher approach towards discipline as NEDP accelerates grassroots recruitment and preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Sonko has urged supporters, aspirants and members of the public to transact only through official party channels and to report any individual demanding money while claiming to represent the party.
He insisted that protecting the party's reputation is a collective responsibility and vowed that the leadership would continue taking decisive action against any official whose conduct threatens to undermine public trust.
"Our priority is to safeguard the integrity of the party and protect all our members, aspirants, supporters and the public. Anyone found engaging in misconduct will face the appropriate action," Sonko said.