Member of parliament for Matungulu constituency Stephen Mutinda Mule has opposed a proposal to have degree qualifications as the minimum qualification for those vying seats as Members of Parliament.
Mule said the proposal by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is a move to lock out potential and competent leaders from seeking elective positions.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of classrooms in ACK Mukengesya secondary in Malaa, Matungulu sub-county legislator said the guideline is harsh and should not be applied since it will lock out very good candidates from elective politics.
“Degree qualification should not be used and we want the IEBC to stop the proposal, and put up a more conducive requirement that will allow everybody who wants to contest to try their hands in politics,” said Mule.
“We will support the leaders who have been endorsed by the people to vie for seats in the elections.
“I know of leaders who have high education qualities, but behave like people who have not been to school.
"Leadership is about wisdom and integrity,” he pointed out.
He argued that the requirement will also lock out poor Kenyans who cannot access and afford higher education from the leadership platform.
Mule noted that most of the leaders will be barred from leadership if this law is implemented especially from marginalised areas.