CoG chairman Josphat Nanok. He has warned the IEBC against barring governors from vying. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Politicians from across the political divide have teamed up against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The Council of Governors has warned the polls body against barring any governor from contesting in the August 8 general election.
This follows a letter by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) dated May 31, 2017 that recommended blocking of about 20 leaders from vying for elective seats.
Through their chairman Josphat Nanok, the governors have argued that their track record is clean, despite the integrity issues being raised against them.
"No governor has been charged in the court of law to date,” Nanok told press during a briefing on Monday.
The Turkana governor said none of the candidates has been charged and found guilty by a court of law.
There is no constitutional basis for barring anyone who has not been charged, found guilty and exhausted all appeal avenues with the Kenyan judicial system. The council urges IEBC to adhere to the constitution," he said.
On May 24, rights activists blacklisted 20 leaders over integrity issues. They included Governors Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Mwangi Wa Iria (Murang’a) Okoth Obado (Migori), Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma and Homabay's Cyprian Awiti.
Others were:
Anne Waiguru (Jubilee's Kirinyaga governor nominee)
Gladys Shollei (Jubilee nominee for Uasin Gishu woman representative)
Nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro
Former Rongo MP Ochillo Ayako
Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko
Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel
Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi
Kilifi governor hopeful Kazungu Kambi
Dandora MCA Stephen Kambi
Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu
Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter
Tiaty MP Asman Kamama
The leaders have however been cleared by the polls agency to vie.