Petition filed over 'underfunding' of political parties in 2026 budget

The Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya) has moved to the High Court to challenge what it terms 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 Kiraitu Murungi, who is suing as the chairperson of CMD-Kenya.

CMD says it is seeking orders to stop Parliament from tabling, debating and passing the Appropriations Bill, 2026, arguing that the proposed allocation to the Political Parties Fund is below the minimum threshold guaranteed by law.

According to the lobby group, the allocation falls short of the 0.3 per cent of national government revenue required under the Political Parties Act.

“In a significant development, Justice William Musyoka at the High Court in Milimani, has today, Thursday, 21st May, 2026, certified the matter as urgent and granted leave for full judicial review proceedings to proceed against the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury and Economic Planning, the National Assembly, and the Registrar of Political Parties,” CMD said in a statement.

During the hearing, parties will address whether Parliament should be barred from debating and passing the Appropriations Bill, 2026, on the grounds that the proposed allocation contravenes the Political Parties Act.

CMD-Kenya argues that the persistent underfunding of political parties weakens constitutional democracy and undermines the ability of parties to effectively discharge their democratic mandate ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“CMD-Kenya contends that the 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,” the statement added.

The group further noted that adequate funding is critical in strengthening Kenya’s multiparty democracy, promoting inclusive political participation and safeguarding constitutional governance.

The development follows a similar petition by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which filed a case seeking to determine the funds owed to the party by the government through the Political Parties Fund.

ODM, in a statement early this month, said the case was formally resolved by its National Executive Committee and filed on behalf of the party.