The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has filed a petition at the High Court seeking to compel key state institutions to strictly enforce Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.
In the petition, LSK argues that despite several laws and institutions in place, individuals who fail to meet integrity requirements still enter public office.
The petition names the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) as respondents.
Additionally, LSK argues that these institutions must diligently carry out their mandates, including developing a code of conduct to regulate the behaviour of elected leaders.
“This Petition recognizes and responds to the need to disrupt the unchecked corruption that has become characteristic of Kenya’s political scene. The accountability and integrity requirements under our Constitution are key to the standard of governance contemplated by the people of Kenya. Our institutions must remain alive to their power and discharge their duties without fear or favour,” read the petition.
The matter is scheduled to be mentioned for directions on September 29, 2025.
LSK Files Petition Against IEBC, EACC, Registrar of Political Parties
The petition further seeks an order that any political leader proven to have violated integrity obligations should be stripped of benefits funded by public resources.
According to the petition, unchecked corruption has become a hallmark of Kenya’s political scene, and robust enforcement of integrity standards is essential for good governance.
LSK stresses that accountability and adherence to the Constitution are crucial to meeting the expectations of the people of Kenya, and institutions must exercise their powers without fear or favour.
Also Read: LSK Blasts Supreme Court Over Ahmednasir Abdullahi Case
What Petitioners Are Asking the Court For
In the petition, LSK seeks the following as a list of demands:
- Right to Report Leaders: A declaration that Kenyans have a duty and right to report information about the lack of integrity of anyone seeking or holding public office before the IEBC includes their name on the ballot.
- Integrity Proof: An order that, once verified, any integrity-related information submitted to IEBC, EACC, Registrar of Political Parties, NCIC, or Parliamentary Service Commission should automatically count as proof of lack of integrity.
- Loss of Office: An order that if a public official is proven to have acted or spoken in a way that shows a lack of integrity, this should be enough to remove them from their public position.
Also Read: Faith Odhiambo Pressured to Reject Ruto’s Appointment
- Quick Verification: An order requiring the institutions (IEBC, EACC, Registrar of Political Parties, NCIC, and PSC) to verify integrity complaints within 20 days. If they fail to do so, the complaints should be treated as valid.
- Code of Conduct: An order that IEBC, EACC, Registrar of Political Parties, and NCIC must develop and enforce a political code of conduct that aligns with the Constitution and allows prosecution of violators.
- Stop Paying Corrupt Leaders: An order that PSC and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission immediately stop paying salaries or allowances to leaders found to have violated integrity standards.
- LSK also wants the court to stop the payment of salaries and allowances to elected leaders found guilty of violating integrity standards.
- The case is aimed at ensuring that only leaders who meet the highest standards of integrity can seek or hold public office in Kenya.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
