Civil society have called upon the upholding of Chapter Six of the Constitution which lays down the essential leadership and integrity qualities of elected leaders.
According to the Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO), it is the role of different government agencies tasked with ensuring that persons cleared to vie for elective posts are held to the integrity standards.
Davis Malombe, chairman of CRECO says, it is a pity that a majority of Kenyans might find themselves electing leaders who do not uphold the standards set out by the Constitution for state officers.
“We have taken note on the emerging high numbers of individuals with integrity issues seeking political positions and coercing voters.
This is dangerous for our democracy and elections because if County Assemblies, National Assembly and Senate is filled with questionable individuals and this will erode our national values and principles of governance and the three arms of government,” said Davis Malombe.
The organisation further faulted the IEBC and the EACC for letting people with questionable character pass the test and straight to the ballot.
“We call upon the IEBC and EACC to not clear individual with questionable integrity to contest for elective seats.
We also appeal to voters not to vote for these individuals with integrity issues because they will cost the country its heritage and image,” he said.
Further, the organisation intimated that it was working on a comprehensive list of “criminals” who should not be allowed to participate in the elective process.
Once the list is ready the organisation will use the media and social media to disseminate the information to the public on the way forward.
A list of shame is nothing new. In 2015, at least 175 people were named in an investigation report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Most of the government officials and politicians were accused of various things which include but are not limited to land grabbing, using millions of shillings in public funds to taking bribes.