Former Nyali MP Awiti Bollo calls for lifestyle audit of politicians
Former Nyali MP Hezron Awiti Bollo has asked the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) not to be used to block candidates seeking elective positions in the country.
Awiti said that it seemed like the commission was being used to target certain politicians in the country and block them from vying under the disguise that they were impeached or facing corruption charges in court.
He however said that integrity was paramount for those seeking public office adding that the law must be followed and people should be given the chance to exhaust all legal avenues to defend themselves.
“The commission should not be used as a road block without giving somebody chance to defend themselves. It should not be used to settles political scores,” said Awiti.
The former Nyali legislature was addressing the media in Mombasa where he also dispelled rumors that he had bolted out of the governor’s race.
“However if you are impeached or charged for stealing public funds, let the law follow its course. Get cleared first before stepping back into the political arena,” Awiti said.
Awiti called for a lifestyle audit of politicians in the country to ascertain where they got their wealth saying some were enjoying proceeds of corruption at the detriment of delivering services to the people.
He said that corruption was the biggest enemy of development, calling on the government to jail corrupt individuals.
“You who are involved in corruption deny other good leaders the chance to use the public funds to develop this country, you all belong to jail,” he said.
The Vibrant Democratic Party leader reiterated that he was in the race to succeed governor Hassan Joho.
He said that he had submitted his papers to the IEBC and will soon announce his running mate and launch his bid officially as soon as the commission announces the official campaign period open next week.
In 2017, he unsuccessfully vied for the seat coming fourth with about 4000 votes.
“As a former legislator, I understand the law very well that’s why you see I haven’t put up any poster or billboard. I am waiting for the official campaign period to begin,” he said.
He said that VDP had filed candidates in all elective posts across the country except the presidency where he said the party was solidly behind the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
He refuted claims that the Luo community living in Mombasa, perceived to be the third largest voting bloc after the Mijikenda and Kamba was split.
Awiti promised to unite the community and rally them behind Raila.
He called for peaceful campaigns as he called for the police to arrest and prosecute politicians recruiting the youth and using them to cause violence.