The Star (Nairobi)

Kenya: Disabled Want to Be Part of Case On Election Losers

Photo: Capital FM
IEBC Chairman Ahmed Issack Hassan

AN organisation for the disabled has sought to be involved in a suit seeking to block presidential losers from being nominated to Parliament. The Kenya Paraplegic Organisation says in an application that the issues raised in the suit by the Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution directly affects them.

Through lawyer John Chigiti, the organisation says the nominations will take away the rights of the disabled as guaranteed under Article 54 of the Constitution. In the petition to be heard on October 3, CIC says a section of the Elections Act, which allows parties to nominate losers instead of the marginalised and minority groups, is a violation of the constitution.

In the case, CIC says argues that section 34 (9) of the Elections Act which allows a political party to nominate one candidate for Presidential seat or deputy and simultaneously as candidate to represent special interest groups such as youth, women and persons with disability is illegal.

Through lawyer Kethi Kilonzo, CIC moved to court saying that, "Section 34 (9) of elections Act provides that the names of the candidates nominated by a political party for election to the posts of President and Deputy President may be included in the party list for election as members to represent special interests groups such as youth, women and disabled.

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