Nick Salat Quits KANU After Expulsion

Former Bomet East Member of Parliament (MP) Nick Salat has resigned from the Kenya African National Union (KANU) as its Secretary-General.

In a letter addressed to KANU National Chairman Gideon Moi and the Registrar of Political Parties on Friday, February 17, Salat noted that he learnt of his unlawful expulsion from his position in the party, which provoked him to resign rather than fight to regain the post.

In addition to his resignation, Salat added that he has severed his ties to all affairs regarding the party except in scenarios where the law so permits after the letter.

“It is my position that my purported dismissal from the position of Secretary General as communicated through the press was unlawful and against the rules of natural justice. However, and pursuant to Section 14 of the Political Parties Act, I hereby, with a heavy heart but with a clear conscience, tender my resignation from the KANU Party effective the date specified hereunder.

“Take notice, therefore, that I Nicholas Salat have resigned from KANU Party and therefore disengage from and disassociate myself with the party except in situations where the law so permits after this notice,” the letter read in part.

The resignation comes exactly one week after KANU expelled him from his post following the party's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Mombasa on Friday, February 10 where the officials decided on Salat's fate.

"That the report of the National Disciplinary Committee recommending the immediate expulsion of Hon. Nick Salat from the position of the Secretary-General of the party on account of gross misconduct and violation of the party constitution is unanimously adopted," KANU stated.

Consequently, the NEC mandated Moi to propose for deliberations and adoption, suitable individuals to fill the vacant national positions, including that of Salat, on an interim basis.

"That the NEC mandated the National Elections Board to immediately develop a mechanism for conducting nationwide grassroots elections before the end of the year in a bid to revamp the party's grassroots structures and enhance national support.

"That as part of the reform process instituted within the party with the aim of infusing operational efficiency, the NEC approved the formation of various technical committees to institutionalize critical operational facets of the party," KANU added.

NEC also mandated the Office of the National Treasurer and the Secretariat to carry out an inventory of all its properties across the country and streamline their administration and management in strict compliance with the Political Parties Act, 2011.

Moi resolved to kick out the lawmaker after the NEC was notified of complaints regarding his conduct during a meeting held on December 15, 2022.

He had accused Salat of violating KANU's constitution, thus the decision to suspend him.

Salat had been at loggerheads with Moi especially since the party boss submitted to Parliament an application for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), a move the Salat alleged was selfish.

After his suspension, he backed President William Ruto, expressing that he would support the Head of State for the next decade.

Nick Salat with President William Ruto in Bomet on January 15, 2023. /TWITTER