With just 68 days to the general elections, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recommended the disqualification of 241 presidential aspirants, including Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, citing lack of integrity.
According to a letter by EACC Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Anti-graft agency has also raised integrity issues on 61 gubernatorial aspirants, including former governors Mike Sonko and Evans Kidero.
On May 31, 2022, the EACC forwarded a report to the IEBC, highlighting information on some candidates deemed relevant for consideration. The report stated, 'EACC forwards herewith a Report, with information on some candidates which is deemed relevant for consideration by the IEBC as it exercises its mandate under Article 88(4)(f) of the Constitution for purposes of registering candidates for the 2022 General Election. This information is as per our records as well as information furnished by various entities, as at 31st May, 2022. Please note that the Commission is conducting further verification on some of the aspirants and will avail the information as and when obtained.'
The EACC wants Mwangi wa Iria barred from the ballot due to allegations of obstructing investigators and destroying evidence during a search warrant execution.
Former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero, now vying for the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat, is under scrutiny for alleged impropriety, corruption, and economic crimes committed while serving as Nairobi City County Governor.
Mike Sonko, his successor, is also facing integrity issues after being impeached by the Nairobi County Assembly and the Senate.
Other former governors facing disqualification include Nadhif Jama of Garissa, Godhana Doyo of Isiolo, and Daniel Waithaka of Nyandarua County.
Additionally, Governor Ann Waiguru of Kirinyaga, Muthomi Njuki of Tharaka Nithi, and Fahim Twaha of Lamu have been blacklisted by the EACC due to corruption allegations.
The EACC has also raised integrity concerns regarding 83 aspirants seeking various positions in Parliament.
According to Article 75(3) of the Constitution, a person who has been removed or dismissed from office for contravention of the requirements in Articles 75(1), 76, 77, or 78(1) is disqualified from holding any other state office.
Furthermore, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003, and the Bribery Act, 2016 provide for disqualifications from being elected or appointed to public office in respect of persons convicted of offences under the said laws.