You can all vie for political offices despite your integrity cases: IEBC confirms

By Mujidu Victor,

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will not block any political candidate from vying as long as they have active appeals in court against integrity cases.

This was revealed by the polls body Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, a day after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) questioned IEBC’s decision to clear some of the aspirants fingered for various ethical and criminal issues.

IEBC Chairman, Wafula Chebukati who is the Returning Officer for the Presidential election.[Image/Twitter/IEBC]

Chebukati pointed out that their hands were tied, as the Constitution provides a window for those with cases to vie for office unless they are convicted and have exhausted their appeals.

IEBC however, slammed the door for those who were impeached from office.

“As per Article 75 of the Constitution, those leaders who were impeached stay impeached and we shall treat them as such. For those who have been convicted but have an appeal, the commission follows the direction of Article 99(3), that as long as you have an appeal, we cannot stop you from vying,” Chebukati said.

EACC’s earlier statement indicated that said they had isolated individuals who should not be cleared to run for office. “The Commission has flagged 241 persons with various outstanding integrity issues related to corruption and economic crime. EACC considers these persons to have fallen short of the moral and ethical standards stipulated for election to public office. EACC hopes that IEBC will make appropriate decisions guided by Constitutional values and public interest,” said the anti-graft agency.

Chebukati however, revealed that they were waiting for an active case in court to be determined.

“There is a court case in which the Chief Justice has constituted a three-judge Bench to hear a case relating to integrity issues. I hope that the case can be heard as soon as possible, within two weeks before the commission starts preparing ballot papers so that if there is any direction from the court then we shall incorporate the decision of the court,” Chebukati added.