A fresh leadership storm has hit former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s National Economic Development Party (NEDP) after the party suspended Secretary General Ben Mulwa over allegations of misconduct and disrespect toward party leadership.

The suspension, which takes effect immediately pending disciplinary proceedings and a final determination, comes amid growing internal wrangles that have rocked the young political outfit in recent weeks.

According to the party leadership, Mulwa and some officials are accused of acting outside established party structures during the opening of a party office in Kwale, where they allegedly announced county leadership appointments without consultation or approval from the party leadership. The incident is also said to be linked to allegations of extortion that had earlier prompted Sonko to suspend all party activities nationwide.

In a move aimed at stabilising the party, NEDP announced the appointment of Ochali Oyeyo as Acting Secretary General. The decision, Sonko said, was reached after consultations with the party’s founding members.

Speaking during a meeting held on Monday, Sonko announced that despite the suspension of some activities, grassroots mobilisation efforts would continue across the country while warning members against sending money to individuals claiming to represent the party.

“After consultations with the party founding members, we have decided that all grassroots activities and regional meetings will continue across the country. On the issue of party registration, the process will continue, but no cash remittances should be made to individuals purporting to be our officials. Our official Paybill is 111999 and account number 000104,” Sonko said.

He thanked party supporters for remaining patient as the leadership worked to address internal disputes.

“We thank our members countrywide for their patience as we sort out issues within the party,” he added.

Sonko also used the platform to call for issue-based politics, urging leaders to avoid divisive rhetoric and focus on challenges affecting ordinary Kenyans.

“We shall do our part as a party and engage in mature politics while addressing issues affecting wananchi. We ask our President to look at the issue of fuel prices because 10 shillings is not enough and further reductions should be considered. We also urge leaders to avoid politics of division because we cannot go back to the days where people called each other names,” he said.

The newly appointed Acting Secretary General, Ochali Oyeyo, pledged to steer the party forward and focus on the needs of citizens.

“This is the party to watch — a party for wananchi that seeks to address their needs, and we shall work with everyone from all quarters,” Oyeyo said.

Monday’s meeting came against the backdrop of accusations against outgoing Secretary General Ben Mulwa, who is alleged to have been involved in extortion-related claims in Kwale, accusations that have intensified the crisis within the party. The disciplinary process is expected to determine his future in the NEDP leadership.