National Forum Party (NFP) leader James Munene Thuku told TUKO.co.ke that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has delayed his party’s full registration despite completing nationwide member recruitment.

Munene claims the delay stems from the government refusing to clear the party through the National Intelligence Service (NIS), which he says prevents NFP from opening offices and attaining full registration.

He added that the difficulties began after he joined the Linda Mwananchi opposition faction during a mobilisation event in Meru about a month ago.

The Linda Mwananchi faction includes prominent figures such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo, who have been vocal in opposing President William Ruto’s administration.

In early July, the ORPP granted provisional registration to eight parties, including NFP, during a ceremony at its Nairobi headquarters on Monday, 6 July.

Under the Political Parties Act, provisionally registered parties have 270 days to meet criteria such as recruiting members across counties, establishing governing organs, and opening functional headquarters before achieving full registration.

Munene, who intends to contest the Roysambu parliamentary seat in the 2027 elections, said the NFP was founded to promote idea‑driven, accountable leadership.

The ORPP had not responded to Munene’s allegations at the time of the interview.