Blow to Sonko and Babayao as EACC block impeached chiefs from holding public offices

 

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his Nairobi counterpart Mike Sonko. FILE

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and his Nairobi counterpart Mike Sonko permanently banned from holding public office, the anti-corruption body (EACC) states.

Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) boss Mr Twalib Mbarak, says EACC has a mandate on the integrity compliance status of election candidates according to the 2010 constitution.


“EACC advises that all persons offering themselves as independent candidates or seeking party nominations for election must meet the integrity threshold under Chapter 6 of the Constitution,” he said.


Waititu was kicked-out from his seat after the Senate upheld his impeachment by the Kiambu County Assembly on the allegation of gross misconduct and office abuse.


Senate upheld Nairobi counterpart Mike Sonko's impeachment on similar grounds.


Chapter 6 designates the standards of leadership and integrity for public office, requirements which are further amplified by the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012.

Compliance with Chapter 6 of the Constitution is a mandatory requirement for appointment or election to public office.



“EACC wishes to inform the public that while the constitutional responsibility to clear aspirants to vie for various positions lies with IEBC, EACC is responsible on enforcing the provisions of Chapter 6 of the Constitution, including the mandatory integrity requirements for all candidates,” Mbarak said.