Someone just sued to stop Charles Nyachae and Joy Mdivo from interviewing for Kenya's top election job. A group called Operation Linda Jamii claims these two candidates broke the rules because they still work for the government at the moment. The lawsuit says this violates Article 260 of Kenya's Constitution, which doesn't let people hold multiple government jobs at once.
Nyachae currently runs the Council of the Kenya School of Government. Mdivo leads both the Kenya Power Board and handles election disputes for the United Democratic Alliance political party. This last job especially worries critics since the election commission must stay neutral about politics. They believe letting someone with party connections run elections creates serious problems.
Professor Fredrick Onyango Ogola started this legal fight for Operation Linda Jamii. The lawsuit claims the selection team broke the law by even considering these candidates. Several legal groups joined the case, including the Law Society of Kenya and Katiba Institute. They all worry about keeping politics away from those who count votes.
The lawsuit mentions recent court decisions that support their argument. Last year, judges ruled that Jubilee Party officials couldn't work in independent government offices. The groups want the court to block both interviews until they decide if these candidates can legally apply. Nyachae's interview is scheduled for March 24, and Mdivo's is scheduled for March 25.
These two are among eleven people applying for the job left vacant after former chair Wafula Chebukati finished his term. Other candidates include Anne Amadi, Abdulqadir Ramadhan, Edward Ngeywa, Erastus Ethekon, Francis Kissinger, Jacob Muvengei, Lilian Manegene, Robert Asembo, and Saul Wasilwa. The court must decide quickly whether Nyachae and Mdivo can continue as candidates.
Nyachae currently runs the Council of the Kenya School of Government. Mdivo leads both the Kenya Power Board and handles election disputes for the United Democratic Alliance political party. This last job especially worries critics since the election commission must stay neutral about politics. They believe letting someone with party connections run elections creates serious problems.
Professor Fredrick Onyango Ogola started this legal fight for Operation Linda Jamii. The lawsuit claims the selection team broke the law by even considering these candidates. Several legal groups joined the case, including the Law Society of Kenya and Katiba Institute. They all worry about keeping politics away from those who count votes.
The lawsuit mentions recent court decisions that support their argument. Last year, judges ruled that Jubilee Party officials couldn't work in independent government offices. The groups want the court to block both interviews until they decide if these candidates can legally apply. Nyachae's interview is scheduled for March 24, and Mdivo's is scheduled for March 25.
These two are among eleven people applying for the job left vacant after former chair Wafula Chebukati finished his term. Other candidates include Anne Amadi, Abdulqadir Ramadhan, Edward Ngeywa, Erastus Ethekon, Francis Kissinger, Jacob Muvengei, Lilian Manegene, Robert Asembo, and Saul Wasilwa. The court must decide quickly whether Nyachae and Mdivo can continue as candidates.
