By Bonface Mulyungi

A fresh storm is brewing in the National Economic Development Party (NEDP) after party leader Mike Sonko suspended all party activities over allegations that some officials were extorting money from aspirants and members seeking opportunities within the party.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Sonko announced the immediate suspension of party registration and operational activities, citing growing concerns about officials allegedly demanding payments from individuals seeking to register or secure party tickets.

“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 stated.

The former Nairobi Governor specifically accused NEDP Secretary General Ben Mulwa of being linked to complaints raised by aspirants from Kwale County.

According to Sonko, several aspirants contacted him alleging they had been asked to pay money in exchange for an opportunity to contest under the party’s banner.

The dispute also spilled over into the party’s recent activities in Kwale County during the opening of NEDP offices in Ukunda, where Sonko accused senior officials of bypassing established party procedures.

He claimed that Secretary General Ben Mulwa and Executive Director Dan Onsomu announced county leadership positions without consultation or approval from the party leadership.

Sonko maintained that no officials had been formally elected or nominated to leadership positions in Kwale County, saying all appointments would be subjected to what he described as a free, fair and democratic process.

He further declared any positions announced during the event null and void pending official party procedures.