IEBCs spending caps another scatterbrained project-Odinga

IEBCs spending caps another scatterbrained project-Odinga

CORD leader Raila Odinga has today termed IEBC’s election campaign spending limits as ridiculous claiming it only serves to sanction looting of state resources.

In a strongly worded statement to newsrooms, Odinga said colossal ceilings such as 5 billion shillings proposed for presidential contenders and 400 million for gubernatorial aspirants will limit the country’s leadership to monied elite plundering the nation.

Odinga claims the new regulations published this week send a coded message to Kenyans that those not in the league of multi billionaires have no business vying for any position in the coming election.

But in a country with a handful of billionaires, with even fewer of them interested in plunging into the murky political waters to beg for votes, Odinga believes a new class of billionaires, aided by IEBC’s supposed restrictive regulations, is stepping up.

The Opposition Chief says the electoral body has done nothing other than justify pre-plunder of the nation.

The figures themselves seem based on an assumption that everyone running for an elective post is a thief of state, a “tenderpreneur” or a drug dealer.” read the statement in part.

Sentiments echoed by a section of leaders. “It is very surprising to allow someone whose salary for 5 years is 20 million to use 400 million in the campaign, it is very strange.” Said West Pokot Senator John Lonyagapuo

Other leaders however believe the new regulations will in fact sanitize Kenya’s election campaigns.

“I hope now campaigns can be on real issues, not how flashy your campaigns are or how much people you can buy out, I have been to campaigns where someone removes a wad of notes and gives out a hundred, a hundred, a hundred and then they say lets now go for nominations.” Said Kiambu Senator, Kimani Wamatangi.

IEBC says it will be rely on reports from authorized persons who will be receiving contributions and incurring expenses on behalf of candidates and parties.

The regulations are yet to be tabled in parliament.

Should they be passed, anyone making a contribution to any political party or candidate will have to be given a receipt as proof of the source of money or help in kind.

 

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IEBC CORD Leader Raila Odinga Campaigns 2017 elections spending caps

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