The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) wants a new law ratified to prevent political leaders involved in corrupt dealings from ever ascending to power or hold public office.
EACC contends that the current stance of "innocent till proven guilty" is proving ineffective, and is a significant impediment in the fight against corruption.
This announcement comes at a time notable politicians seeking political office are battling court cases relating to corruption and abuse of office.
Former CS for National Treasury Henry Rotich recently announced his bid for the gubernatorial seat in Uasin Gishu County.
Rotich was fired after massive corruption scandals were uncovered during his tenure regarding Kimwarer and Arror Dam, would have to forfeit his aspirations to the gubernatorial seat should this provision be implemented.
Should this provision be ratified, leaders currently under investigation over corrupt dealings would automatically be disqualified from vying for any public office
Other key leaders targeted are former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
Governors Okoth Obado, Moses Lenolkulal, and former minister Rashid Echesa are also among the many political leaders targeted.
EACC Boss Twalib Mbarak recently argued that it was not EACC that is at fault for political leaders going scot-free post-indictment.
"We are saying there is a problem. It is not IEBC to be blamed nor is it EACC. If you stop them, they’ll go to court, if they go to court, their lawyers will invoke those two articles," the EACC CEO added.
Twalib argued that political leaders finding themselves in cases involving corruption find it easy to drag and stall proceedings of said cases against them in a court of law.
The EACC boss further added that the lawyers of these leaders can easily circumvent the law hence these cases seem to take long to be solved.
Politicians involved in corruption scandals will find themselves in a cul-de-sac as their history of involvement in corruption cases will automatically disqualify them from vying, meaning their political careers could essentially be over.
