Mwau faults poll law on harambees
An MP on Tuesday moved to court to challenge a section of the Elections Act that prohibits politicians from conducting public fundraising during the election period.
Mr Harun Mwau claimed the Act was a retrogressive legislation which “bars citizens from contributing towards the alleviation of the plight of a citizenry plagued by poverty and disease and cannot be justified.”
The Kilome MP is seeking an interim order of stay against the Act and that permission be given to those in need of fundraising towards emergency medical attention and development projects.
Favoured politicians
A civil rights activist has also petitioned the High Court on the same provision claiming it favoured politicians at the expense of the common man.
Mr Evans Misati James’ petition was certified as urgent and will be heard on September 18. He says the Act is discriminatory as it allows politicians to raise funds for themselves while outlawing helping the common people.
The Elections Act outlaws a person contesting in elections to take part in a public fundraising within eight months preceding the General Election and during the campaign period.
