IEBC to decide on fate of aspirants flagged by EACC

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has pledged to make a decision and make a public statement about the aspirants who were flagged by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for integrity issues.

Speaking during a press release held at the Bomas of Kenya on Thursday, June 2, 2022, the commission’s chairperson Wafula Chebukati assured Kenyans that the commission will release a statement immediately after going through the EACC report.

“We received the report from the EACC yesterday evening. As you all know the clearance is ongoing, so we shall therefore look at the report and make a statement on the way forward,” Chebukati stated.

EACC warns IEBC not to clear candidates

The new development comes barely a day after the anti-graft agency warned the electoral commission against clearing 241 aspirants following integrity issues.

Through a statement, EACC urged IEBC to vet the candidates for integrity issues before allowing them to contest for seats in public office.

“Report on the integrity status of aspirants seeking various political positions. This follows an integrity verification process undertaken by the Commission in respect to 21,863 persons seeking registration as candidates for various political positions,” the statement reads in parts.

It adds: “The Commission has flagged out 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.”

List fronted for IEBC to vet

The list comprises prominent names including aspirants for governor and Members of Parliament positions.

Candidates on the list include; former Governor Mike Sonko (Nairobi), Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Daniel Waithaka (Nyandarua), Godana Doyo (Isiolo), Nathif Jama (Garissa), Simon Kachapin (West Pokot) and Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi.

Others are; Murangá Governor Mwangi wa Iria, Governors Ali Korane (Garissa), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Dhadho Godhana (Tana River), Fahim Twaha (Lamu), Mohamud Ali (Marsabit), Okoth Obado (Migori), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia) and Alfred Mutua (Machakos).

Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache South), John Waluke (Sirisia), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Gladys Shollei (Uasin Gishu), Jonah Mburu (Lari), Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills), Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North), Nakuru Town East MP Samuel Arama and Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) are also on the list among others.