EACC Flags 241 Politicians As Ineligible to Vie in August Polls

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has declared 241 politicians seeking elective posts in the August 9 elections ineligible to run for office.

The anti-graft agency wants the politicians barred from voting in the August elections.

According to the government agency, the flagging is the result of the Commission’s integrity verification procedure, which involved 21,863 people seeking registration as candidates for various political offices.

“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.”

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In a letter to the IEBC, the EACC requests that clearance be denied to two presidential candidates and one presidential running mate. A total of 54 people have expressed interest in running for president.

Mwangi Wa Iria, a presidential candidate from Usawa Kwa Wote, is among the people the EACC wants out of the contest.

“The Commission received and investigated allegations of obstructing EACC investigators and destruction of evidence when executing a search warrant. Investigations established that the Aspirant was culpable,” it said.

Justus Zachous Onyango Juma, a presidential candidate on the Justice and Freedom Party ticket, failed the EACC’s integrity exam as well.

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The EACC has also red-carded Matayo Jared Obwogi, the Republican Party’s presidential running mate.

The EACC has also flagged a total of 61 governor and deputy governor candidates.

Former Nairobi Governors Evans Kidero and Mike Mbuvi Sonko, as well as Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru, are among the leaders who have been blacklisted for governor positions.

Kidero is vying for the governorship of Homa Bay, whereas Sonko is vying for the governorship of Mombasa.

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Muthomi Njuki, the governor of Tharaka Nithi, failed the EACC’s integrity exam as well.

EACC wants the IEBC to exclude Migori Governor Okotha Obado (Migori), Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyonka (Kisii), Paul Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu), Mbogo Lilian Muthoni Wanjiru (Embu), Chelumo Benjamin Kai (Kilifi), and Mungata Danson Buya (Tana River) from running for Senate seats.

Gladys Boss Shollei, Uasin Gishu Woman Rep, has been added to the list of 19 women who should not be cleared in the Woman Rep category.

At the same time, the EACC has identified a total of 58 candidates seeking election to the national assembly.

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They include; Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Busia Governor Sospeter Ojamong (Teso South), Sirisia MP John Waluke, Samuel Arama (Nakuru East), Governor Alfred Mutua Nganga (Mwala) and MP Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills) among others.

EACC has also blacklisted 94 Members of county assemblies.