By STANLEY ONGWAE
The umbrella body of protestant churches now wants voters to vet all political aspirants for elective county seats before the polls.
National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has identified 33 constituencies in parts of Nyanza and Rift Valley that experienced post-election violence in 2007 for the exercise.
According to the organisers, NCCK and the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission have secured an unspecified sponsorship from the European Union for the exercise aimed at evaluating leaders voters should elect in the coming elections.
Yesterday, NCCK Nyanza co-ordinator Ken Olang’o said in the vetting process, voters will evaluate politicians using a scorecard that will contain specific questions. The leaders will then be rated accordingly using the marks awarded by the electorate.
“The vetting will be done by having politicians in public meetings and they will be engaged in questions based on their development records, integrity and their main agenda for the people,” he said.
Aspirants may face an enormous task of convincing voters during party nominations if the process becomes a reality. It is through this vetting process that voters would identify credible leaders to occupy offices created by the new Constitution.
Addressing a regional stakeholders’ civic education forum in Migori County, Olang’o said plans were underway to sensitise voters on the election process and getting them fully involved in identifying visionary leaders.
“Our main agenda will be to educate Kenyans on how to be actively involved in the democratic processes of choosing leaders based on their performance, the agenda they have for them and their leadership integrity,” said Mr Olang’o.
The co-ordinator said the council of churches would help voters to convene public forums where all aspirants will be invited for a public vetting process.
Speaking during the workshop, a representative of Rongo Catholic Parish Father Kennedy Nyumba said the local church welcomed the idea of subjecting politicians to public vetting, saying it was a positive move towards finding responsible and visionary leaders.
“We as the church will ensure the vetting becomes a reality,” said Nyumba.
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