Lugari MP Ayub Savula has disclosed that at least 100 MPs have embarked on a process to amend the law and compel all presidential candidates to declare the source of their wealth before being cleared to vie in 2022 and beyond.
“Once the law is amended, it will be mandatory for the DP and other politicians eyeing the top seat on the land to explain and account for their wealth failure to which the electoral agency will block them from contesting,” Savula told mourners at a funeral in Mumias East constituency on Saturday.
According to Savula, the lawmakers were determined to ensure leaders implicated in graft and plundering of public resources are barred from seeking public office.
“I can tell you for free the Deputy President’s name William Samoei Ruto will not be on the ballot box unless he comes out clear on how he amerced a lot of wealth.”
The MP excused himself during the burial of mama Rehema Nechesa Ndeta to join his colleagues in Nairobi in strategizing on how to draft an amendment bill that will be tabled in the house.
However, legal experts have indicated that it will not be a walk in the park stopping Ruto from contesting.
“They could succeed only if the person targeted has been convicted, it will not be possible to stop any one from vying based on accusations,” argued Geoffrey Mulanya, a lawyer.
Martin Oloo, a renowned lawyer and political analyst said the MPs could be required to do a little more than just seeking to amend the law.
Oloo maintained that whatever the legislators were citing lacked legal backing.
The lawyer advised the legislators to explore a section that require state officers nominated to hold public offices to declare their wealth.
“I wish they would be more factual while arguing about amending certain sections of the election Act to achieve what they desire because the same law requires that those implicated in any offence be investigated first,” he said.