As the next general election nears, the proposal by President Uhuru Kenyatta to use the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct party nominations continues to draw mixed reactions as some have come out to oppose it. Speaking in Maeni ward in Kimilili constituency, seasoned politician Didmus Wekesa said endowing IEBC with the rigorous task of conducting nominations will open a window of compromise and extra pressure especially on candidates from party leaders who will seek funds from candidates to take to the commission for the exercise.
He, therefore, expressed his concern, saying that parties may end up choosing candidates who are not popular on the ground, but are rich, saying this it will be against democracy.
“I propose that the commission should only be used to provide guidance to ensure the whole process is free and fair to all aspirants so as not to lock out potential leaders who have the capabilities of being nominated in different party positions,” he said.
Didmus who is also eyeing the Kimilili parliamentary seat defended his exit from Ford Kenya party to Jubilee saying he did not have faith that the current Kimilili MP Suleiman Murunga, who is also the Ford Kenya party deputy director of elections, would give him a certificate if he trounced him at the nominations which prompted his move.
He added that internal party wrangles are evident after it was alleged that Kiminini MP Dr. Chris Wamalwa differed with Tongaren legislator Dr. David Eseli over the issue of nomination in matters preference, saying candidates should be keen on the issue of nomination.
Mr. Wekesa, however, called upon the Kimilili MP to set aside funds to fund education for students willing to join youth polytechnics saying many of them are willing to join yet they don’t have school fees saying education issues should not only focus on improving infrastructure only.
He disclosed that many of the polytechnics are well equipped but have fewer students pursuing different courses saying he should derive a methodology of sponsoring at least fifteen students from each ward to pursue different courses as it was the case with his predecessor.