The Coalition for Reform and Democracy (CORD) party primaries have been moved from January 10 to January 17. The postponement follows the President's assent of the Political Parties Amendment Bill on Monday allowing legislators to switch parties until January 18.

The Orange Democratic Movement's Election Board (NEB) chairman Franklin Bett made the announcement on Wednesday at Orange House.

"Following the amendments on Elections Act and Political Parties Act, the NEB has reconsidered its earlier decision and set January 17 as the new date for the party primaries," Bett said.

The Roads Minister announced in December that he would not be seeking any elective post in the coming elections but plans to vie for the presidency in 2017. Bett also addressed the robbery of computers at the Wiper offices Monday said to hold critical information equating it to the Watergate scandal of the USA and calling for speedy investigations.

"The NEB also wishes to strongly condemn the attack on the Wiper offices and request that thorough investigations be conducted and the perpetrators brought to book."

Registration of party members will conclude on January 5. The Alliance Party of Kenya (APK) which is headed by Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi announced it will be holding its nominations on January 14.

The party will not field a presidential candidate and Kiraitu reaffirmed APK's support for Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta's presidential bid.