Politicians on the spot Wycliffe Oparanya, Ann Waiguru, and Kipchumba Murkomen. [Photo/Hivisasa.com]
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned political aspirants who have been adversely mentioned in parliamentary commissions on issues of integrity that their fate now lies with the courts as the commission begin clearing candidates.
On Thursday, IEBC said that politicians who have not appealed against pending integrity issues have less than a week to appeal or they will not be cleared to vie in the August polls.
Politicians who may be affected by this warning include former Cabinet Secretary for Devolution Ann Waiguru, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator kipchumba Murkomen, and kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
Oparanya is on the spot for snubbing senate summons for the last three years, while Waiguru and Murkomen are embroiled in the NYS scandal, where the National Assembly adopted Parliament Account Committee report that bars the two from holding public office.
“We will not clear candidates who have issues with institutions with competent jurisdiction that include Parliament. We will follow the due process of the law and disqualify such aspirants if there is no proof of an appeal in court or review in place,” said IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba.
Apart from Parliament, other institutions whose decisions may be factored in before a candidate is cleared include the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the office of the Auditor-General, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
However, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has rubbished the warnings saying they cannot bar a candidate from contesting since one cannot be stopped to run base on allegations.