A government-sponsored Bill is seeking to have graft suspects blocked from vying for political seats in the 2022 elections.

The Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2021, seeks to tighten laws governing political parties to provide for vigorous vetting of candidates, in line with recommendations of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, prior to nominations by political parties.

If approved by parliament, aspirants will also be required to seek EACC clearance before presenting themselves for party nominations.

“A political party conducting party nominations shall ensure that each candidate makes and deposits a self-declaration form as prescribed in the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012,” the bill sponsored by the Majority party reads.

Political parties will also be required to ascertain that a candidate has the requisite qualifications to hold the elective office as specified in the Constitution or any other relevant law.

“A political party shall ensure that a candidate meets such other requirements as may be prescribed by the Constitution and nomination rules of the political party.”

Various Mps and governors including Migori governor Okoth Obando and former governors Evans Kidero (Nairobi) and Ferdinard Waititu (Kiambu) have active graft cases in court.

The Political Parties (Amendment) Bill will also require parties to publish their sources of funds and resolve disputes within 30 days after the date of nominations.

The proposed law further makes it illegal to list a person as a member of a political party without their consent.