Transparency International – Kenya has revealed plans to name and shame at least 20 politicians it believes should not be cleared to vie for various elective seats in the upcoming general election.
T.I-Kenya notes that it is in the process of developing the list that will include politicians facing criminal and graft charges as well as those with questionable characters.
In a media briefing in Eldoret town during the marking of World Anti-Corruption Day, Derick Mahandia, an officer from T.I-Kenya said they will push for full implementation of Chapter 6 of the Constitution that touches on leadership and integrity.
“T.I-Kenya and our partners believe that past elections have not been taking into consideration Chapter 6 of the Constitution. Politicians believe they must be found guilty to be stopped to vie for any seat but we believe the constitution sets a higher threshold on their integrity.”
– Derick Mahandia, T.I-Kenya.
The nonprofit organization founded in 1999 says politicians with court cases, those named in corruption scandals, and various investigative reports should not be cleared to be on the ballot.
They are now planning to write to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) asking the 20 politicians that will be given red cards to be blocked.
T.I-Kenya says it will also move to court to secure a ruling that will compel IEBC to ensure standards set out in Chapter 6 of the Constitution are followed to the latter.
“We will also engage locals through the Civil Society Organizations (CSO), religious leaders among others so that we educate voters on why it is important to vote in leaders with high integrity,” said the Transparency International – Kenya official.
Campaigns for the 2022 general election are expected to kick off once the election date is announced by IEBC.
IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati has indicated that they will gazette the date by mid-January 2022.
The election is expected to be held on August 9, 2022, with political parties expected to conduct nominations between March and May 2022.
TI is really doing a great job..and as CSO member in UASIN GISHU that’s the way to go… iSupport the move and jointly with IEBC …