Kibera’s major party ODM is demanding that the Registrar of Political Parties releases Sh5.1 billion to them ahead of the 2017 general elections.

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The party made a legal suite at the High Court in Milimani on Tuesdays where they said that the registrar’s failure to release the funds as stipulated in the Political Parties Fund has affected the party’s ability to plan for the 2017 polls.

The party said that withholding the money was illegal, further accusing the registrar of being high handed and unprocedural in failing to consult, inform and further give reasons over the delay in disbursements.

Party lawyers Julie Soweto and James Orengo said that ODM’s preparations for 2017 have been highly hindered by the unavailability of funds, further accusing the registrar of releasing only 0.03 per cent of the total amount expected to be disbursed to parties.

“A decision, whether jointly or severally, to disburse funds less than what the law stipulates is illegal and unconstitutional,” said the party.

The lawyers also listed TNA, URP and the Jubilee Party as other parties interested in the legal suit.

The monies are said to target among other things conduct effective party nominations, where Kibra’s MP Ken Okoth is expected to fight for the party’s flag against expected entrants Rosemary Odinga and Raila’s close ally Eliud Owalo.