NAIROBI, Kenya, August 29 – Presidential aspirant Raphael Tuju has welcomed provisions of the new Elections Act that prevent losers in presidential polls from being nominated to Parliament or the Senate.
Mr Tuju says he had proposed similar measures when he was a Cabinet Minister in 2005.
“Interestingly, in the draft that was not passed in 2005, I tried frantically to insert that clause that when someone is vying to be president of this country, then they should not have another local constituency… and your constituency is Kenyan,” he said.
Mr Tuju said this will deter candidates from using such campaigns solely to gain political mileage.
The Elections Bill was among 15 new pieces of legislation that were signed into law by President Mwai Kibaki on Sunday after they were passed by Parliament last week.
According to the new Act, those eyeing State House will also not be allowed to vie for either the post of Member of Parliament, Governor or Senator.
Mr Tuju declared his intention to vie for the presidency on Sunday, joining a growing list of leaders who want to occupy State House.
Others are Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto.
Also hoping to be the country’s next chief executive are Martha Karua, Peter Kenneth, Mutava Musyimi, Eugene Wamalwa and Education PS James ole Kiyiapi.
About The Author
