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Mzalendo Saba Saba Party, associated with the late opposition politician Kenneth Matiba has changed its name to Jirani Mzalendo Asili Party of Kenya (J-MAPK).

In an exclusive interview with the People Daily Digital, George Mwithi who is the chairman of J-MAPK said that the leaders agreed to change the party’s name in order to have a national appeal.

He said that the party is still popular and that they are looking forward to having a proper representation in all elective seats across the country.

In 2013, the party sponsored Murang’a gubernatorial aspirant Dr. Moses Mwangi who is a close ally of equity bank founder Peter Munga.

Dr. Moses Mwangi works as CEO at Equatorial nuts company owned by Peter Munga.

Also in 2017, Moses contested for the seat using the same political party but lost to Mwangi wa Iria.

The party’s national chairman said that J-MAPK felt the need to incorporate the ‘Asili’ name for them to maintain their identity.

“We felt Asili should be part of us as no one is contesting it. We will make the party great ahead of 2022,” George noted.

He added, “We have resolved to change our party name, we wrote to the registrar of the political parties and we were allowed, we have all the documents with us including certificates, “he said.

He noted that they are preparing to make a huge impact and form alliances with other parties once they officially launch the branded party.

Mwithi maintained that the leadership hasn’t changed as Jimmy Kuria will continue serving as the Secretary General of the party.

He urged locals to elect leaders based on their merits but not political parties.