LSK contestants must be cleared by EACC

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has circulated a draft Code of Conduct for its forthcoming polls.

The draft Electoral Code of Conduct 2015 outlaws inducements during campaigns and requires candidates to produce compliance certificates from assorted State bodies.

LSK Secretary and CEO Apollo Mboya said that the proposed elections rules and regulations are drafted by a Committee appointed by the Council of LSK.

The Committee Comprised Mr. Donald Kipkorir (Chairman), Prof. PLO Lumumba, Ms. Judy Thongori, Mr. Charles Kanjama and Mr. Thomas Letangule.

The electoral process for the Council, LSK female representative in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal and LSK Nairobi branch is set to kick off later this year.

“The Code should apply to lawyers seeking election to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), LSK Council and the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal,” said Mr. Mboya.

According to the Code, candidates must seek clearance certificates from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Higher Education Loans Board and Kenya Revenue Authority.

They must also produce a certificate of good conduct from the Criminal Investigation Department and must not have been convicted by the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal.

The draft Code that has been circulated via email to practising lawyers countrywide for comments also cracks the whip on electoral offences.

Section 17(1) stipulates that “It will be an electoral offence for any candidates and/or their supporters to directly and/or indirectly give any money, food, drink, entertainment, gifts or promises of any kind or howsoever and whatsoever to influence and/or induce member or members of the Society to vote or refrain from voting”

It further outlaws use of campaign materials, literature, posters, and manifestos of any kind unless they comply with the objectives of the Society.

Mr. Mboya said that there have been concerns from both lawyers and the public over the conduct of members during LSK campaigns and the electioneering period.

“There were increased concerns during the past campaigns for positions in the LSK Council and representation to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC),” Mr. Mboya said.

In its last elections last year, LSK used a Code of Conduct that was customized from that of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

By LSK