IEBC To Block Politicians Participating In Harambees From Contesting In 2022

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has revealed that it will bar political aspirates participating in a fundraiser from running for political seats.

Speaking during a virtual meeting with the Senate Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on Wednesday, IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati revealed that aspirants will not be allowed to participate either by contribution or attendance in a fundraiser after December 9, 2021.

According to Chebukati, those found conducting Harambees after the said date will be found guilty of committing an electoral offence therefore they will be barred from vying in the next year’s elections.

“On the issue of harambees, after December 9, it becomes an election offence,” Chebukati told the committee.

“A person who directly or indirectly participates in any manner in public fundraising within 8 months preceding a general election or during the election period will be disqualified from contesting in the election held during the election year,” he added.

Chebukati said that the Commission will work with security agencies including the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (ODPP) to ensure those politicians found breaking the law are brought into the book.

He said that the move to ban the fundraisers is a way of curbing aspirants from influencing voters through their contributions.

The IEBC chairperson, however, allowed politicians to hold fundraisers for their own campaigns.

“Exception however from subsection 2 of section 26 of the IEBC Act, aspirants are allowed to hold a party or individual fundraisers for their campaigns,” he said.