Raising poll fees unfair, says minister

• In newly published elections regulations by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, individuals seeking the presidency will be required to pay Sh1 million, senator and governor aspirants Sh500,000, parliamentary candidates Sh250,000 and county representatives Sh50,000.

Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa has opposed the electoral commission’s plans to increase nomination fees.

Mr Wamalwa said the move would favour only the rich and make democracy too expensive for the majority.

In newly published elections regulations by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, individuals seeking the presidency will be required to pay Sh1 million, senator and governor aspirants Sh500,000, parliamentary candidates Sh250,000 and county representatives Sh50,000.

(READ: Parties set to mint millions from elections)

Equal chance

“Political right is a human right and the law says every Kenya should have an equal chance to vie for any elective position. We cannot afford to make democracy out of reach of some Kenyans,” the minister said.

The New Ford Kenya presidential aspirant was addressing a political rally in Thika after making stop-overs in Githurai, Ruiru and Juja.

Mr Wamalwa said he would go into a joint nomination with Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.