Saturday, August 18, 2012

PM ‘led meeting to alter’ Integrity bill


PM ‘led meeting to alter’ Integrity bill

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Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa yesterday told Parliament that the Prime Minister chaired a cabinet sub-committee which made the changes in the Leadership and Integrity Bill. Wamalwa denied claims by the Commission for Implementation of Constitution and civil society groups that the changes were made to render the bill ineffective.
He asked MPs to support the bill in its present form. He said some members of the CIC among them chairman Charles Nyachae were present. CIC and Kenya Law Reforms attend the meetings of the cabinet subcommittee on implementation of the constitution as technical advisors.
“The changes were done by consensus by all those who were present including CIC,” said Wamalwa. Transport minister Amos Kimunya, seconded the motion and said the original bill contained “impractical provisions.” He said “the civil society is getting it all wrong,” and that voters should be the one to vet candidates during campaigns.
He said aspirants should not be knocked off on technical grounds "such as certificates of good conduct". The Bill had proposed that all political aspirants or those seeking appointment first declare their income and liabilities to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to ensure only those who complied with Chapter Six of the constitution would vie.
Also deleted is a clause that would have required such aspirants for elective or state offices first secure a certificate from the EACC indicating they had complied with Chapter Six of the constitution. Wamalwa said more than 200,000 aspirants are expected to vie and it will be impossible to vet them all. Debate on the bill was however scuttled due to lack of quorum and will resume next Tuesday.

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