Want to Leave a Political Party? Here’s How to Do It in Minutes

NAIROBI, Kenya – For years, many Kenyans have found themselves unknowingly registered as members of political parties—sometimes without consent.

Others have outgrown their political allegiances and simply want out.

But how does one actually resign from a political party?

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has streamlined the process, allowing citizens to check their party membership status and resign with just a few clicks or taps on their phones.

Whether you’re switching sides ahead of an election or asserting your political independence, here’s how to sever ties with your current party.

Option 1: The *509# Shortcut

The quickest way to check and resign from a political party is via the ORPP’s USSD code *509#.

Here’s how it works:

1. Dial *509# on your phone.
2. Enter your national ID number and first name when prompted.
3. You’ll receive a personal identification number (PIN) via SMS.
4. Dial *509# again, enter the PIN, and navigate to Membership > Resign.
5. The system will display the name of the party you’re currently affiliated with. Confirm your resignation, and just like that—you’re politically unaffiliated.

This method doesn’t require internet access, making it especially useful for those in remote areas or with limited smartphone access.

Option 2: The Online Route via IPPMS

For those who prefer a web-based experience, the Integrated Political Parties Management System (IPPMS) offers a comprehensive online portal.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Visit ippms.orpp.or.ke.
2. Click Register, then enter your ID number and first name to validate your details.
3. The system will auto-fill some information; complete the rest of the form, request a verification code, and enter the OTP sent to your phone.
4. Click Register to set up your account, then log in.
5. Under My Account, select Membership Resignation, confirm your intention to resign, and enter a new OTP to finalise the process.
6. You can check your status under Registration Status to ensure your resignation has gone through.

Why It Matters

The simplified resignation process follows public complaints over forced or unknown party enlistments, particularly ahead of elections.

While political parties are required to register their members with the ORPP, the system has been marred by concerns about transparency and consent.

In a democracy, the freedom to associate—and disassociate—with a political entity is protected under Article 38 of the Constitution.

These tools empower citizens to take control of their political identities, hold parties accountable, and ensure no one is dragged into politics they didn’t sign up for.

So, whether you’re cleaning up your political profile or making way for new affiliations, resigning from a party has never been easier—or more important.