Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Uasin Gishu County are now asking the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure only aspirants with genuine academic certificates are cleared to be on the ballot for the August 9 poll.
Led by Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (CHRD) Director Kipkorir Ng’etich, the CSOs say should it be found that IEBC cleared individuals with fake qualifications, the electoral body should be ready to face legal actions.
“IEBC cannot set a precedence where leaders with fake and questionable academic papers are allowed to vie for elective positions,” Ng’etich said.
“This is a matter that should be handled with seriousness lest we have criminals getting into influential elective positions,” he added.
The CHRD director further noted that some of the politicians with questionable papers might be bribing their way to being cleared to contest for various seats in the upcoming general elections.
He says having such leaders on the ballot might end up tainting the image and faith Kenyans have in IEBC.
Ng’etich further asked investigative agencies among them the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to hasten their probe into politicians accused of presenting fake academic papers.
“EACC and DCI should also focus on concluding their investigations into allegations against some academic papers that political leaders recently presented to IEBC for verification,” said the CHRD.
The IEBC recently concluded clearance of aspirants for various seats ahead of the August 9 polls.
A requirement for academic certificates is however on individuals eyeing the governor seat and those vying for the presidency, alongside their running mates who need to have at least a degree.
There are several ongoing cases challenging the validity of degrees used by some aspirants who the IEBC cleared.
The cases are being handled by IEBC’s Disputes Resolution Committee.
