IEBC begins process of reviewing integrity of poll aspirants

Political aspirants with questionable integrity could be barred from participating in the August election after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), anti graft body EACC, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Registrar of Political Parties formed a joint team to review their conduct.

Speaking in a joint press conference, the team said it is mandated to ensure all spirants comply with Chapter 6 of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.

“The guidelines are already on the web on election laws and we will be releasing them today for publication tomorrow” said IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati

“They are simply reiterating what is already in the law. We are within our timelines and we are working to make sure nothing stops us from giving Kenyans the election they much await,” he added.

The electoral body boss also indicated that the joint team would create awareness to ensure compliance by all aspirants to leadership and integrity, with key agencies to nominate staff to the team in a week.

On his part, Attorney General Githu Muigai challenged all relevant institutions to see to it that Chapter 6 of the Constitution is fully implemented, denying state interference in the electoral process.

“We are gathered here because the government and all institutions mandated to carry out free and credible elections are committed to ensuring the implementation of Chapter 6,” said Muigai.

“The meeting today does not intend to compromise in any way the independence of IEBC, EACC, DPP and registrar of political parities but if we are not together we will not be able to meet the mandate of Chapter 6 of the Constitution in the right manner,” he added.

“We hope that after the election is conducted in a free and fair manner we will be able to see the caliber of the leadership in this country improving.”

EACC Chair Eliud Wabukala pledged the commission’s support for IEBC to ensure credible polls while challenging all Kenyans and institutions to play their part in ensuring credible elections.