By Kwabe Victor,
Politicians who are seeking re-election in the coming August Polls are now faced with a hurdle, as Civil Society groups are seeking to prevent politicians with pending court cases from vying.
The activists are calling on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to limit those accused of graft and other integrity issues from running for a political seat.
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“If one has been charged then they should be barred from running for office. We have currently filed a petition in court seeking an interpretation of the minimum integrity threshold of candidates seeking appointed positions in public service,” a statement by the activists said.
Amongst the politicians who could be affected if the High Court heeds the call include eight United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and up to 10 Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition parties.
They argue that UDA’s running mate Gachagua is not eligible to contest for the elective seat as well as Governors Sospeter Ojamong of Busia, Muthomi Njuki of Tharaka Nithi, Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga. Also on the list are MP aspirants Mike Sonko, Babu Owino, Aisha Jumwa, and John Waluke.
Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala and Kimilili MP Barasa Didmus. The activists in a statement issued said the above names and said they should be declared unfit for vying and providing service to the people.
“Even without the court order mentioned, Article 75 of the Constitution is self-speaking and self-executing. It is clear and does not require to be qualified to take effect,”Hussein Marjan, IEBC Chief Executive, said.
This follows the directive by IEBC instructing the returning officers against clearing such candidates unless directed by a court order. IEBC had stated a move to bar the impeached public officials from running for elective seats in the August Elections.
Citing their court cases in which they are charged with misuse of power, graft, and breach of public trust among other serious offenses filed against them.
