Nyamira Senator Kennedy Okong’o Mong’are now wants the IEBC compelled to punish politicians who he claims have embarked on early campaigns.
According to the Nation, Mong’are says in his suit papers that the IEBC's failure to punish political parties and aspirants engaging in early campaigns contravenes the electoral laws.
Through lawyer Zachariah Mwambi, the Senator argues that early campaigns would raise political temperatures and will also stifle economic growth.
He argues that the IEBC has failed in its mandate of ensuring that all politicians comply with electoral laws.
He now wants the matter heard on a priority basis so that grievances are remedied without delay.
Monga're has named several politicians among them Cord co-principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, Senators Omar Hassan, Mike Sonko and Bonny Khalwale who he claims have embarked on early campaigns.
He has also listed politicians who have clashed in rallies such as Isaac Ruto and Joyce Laboso, Mwangi wa Iria and Jamleck Kamau, Lenny Kivuti and Cecil Mbarire, Peter Munya and Kiraitu Murungi, Hassan Joho and Hezron Awiti, Wycliffe Oparanya and Benjamin Washiali.
Mong'are claims that the commission has violated the freedom of access to information regarding planning, investigating and disciplining electoral offenders.
He is apprehensive that some political parties may be sidelined as others have already started conducting rallies and campaigns even before the electoral code of conduct compliance is approved.
“Being a member of the Senate, I am apprehensive that we are heading into the election period and some parties may be sidelined as others have already started early campaigns which is not compliant with the electoral code of conduct yet there is need for a level playing ground,” Mong’are said as quoted by the Nation.
He argues that the failure to discipline such parties and candidates is in bad faith and upsets the law on competitiveness.
He now wants the IEBC compelled to release a report on investigations conducted on parties and aspirants who have violated electoral laws.
He also wants commission directed to follow the Elections Campaign Finance Act.