As the political parties embark towards the party primaries, governance and accountability organizations under the National Integrity Alliance (NIA) have made public their determination to bar corrupt aspirants from vying for various elective posts.
While addressing the press in Nairobi, Society for International Development associate director Houghton Irungu said many of the leaders who have been pointed out and named as participants in corrupt actions have openly declared an interest to run for public office. “Many of the ones named, investigated, facing prosecution or already convicted have declared their interest to run for public office in the coming general elections,” said Irungu.
Irungu added that all political parties should also be responsible, “We call upon political parties to ensure nominations of high calibre individuals. Party Election Boards should not clear aspirants who have been mentioned in the reports of office of the Auditor general and other constitution commissions.”
He said that if the parties fail to follow the constitution and the laws setting out ethical standards for state and public officers we shall publicly de-campaign their candidates.
The Society for International Development associate director also highlighted that every year, critical constitutional and Independent offices such as the commission on Administrative Justice, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the Auditor General and the Controller of Budget have demonstrated unconstitutionality, impunity and corruption in the wasteful use of public resources at both levels of the government.
Jessica Musila, the Executive Director of the Mzalendo Trust, which is part of the National Integrity Alliance, called on citizens to flash a red card to any corrupt and unethical aspirants in their rallies and political activities.
“We must hold all current and aspiring leaders accountable to chapter six of the constitution,” said Jessica Musila.
“We further call upon all vetting institutions to remain objective, pro-active and uphold the right of the public to relevant information to enable voters to make wise choices,” added Musila.