Johann Kriegler criticises parties as he gives 2013 poll thumbs up
Justice Johann Kriegler at a conference in 2011. FILE PHOTO | JENNIFER MUIRURI |
What you need to know:
- Kriegler dismissed parties as mere vehicles formed by politicians to achieve selfish ends.
- He noted that political parties in Kenya were neither managed well nor democratic.
Political parties on Monday came under scathing attack during a function organised by the electoral commission to review the conduct of the 2013 General Election.
Mr Justice Johann Kriegler, who led investigations into the bungled 2007 elections, dismissed Kenya’s political parties as mere vehicles formed by politicians to achieve selfish ends.
“Your political parties are nothing more than sham stalking horses for the ambitions of your politicians. Why can’t Kenyans start a political party for the common man? Do that, and you’ll be the next President,” Mr Kriegler stated.
He noted that political parties in Kenya were neither managed well nor democratic.
He defended the IEBC against accusations that it bungled the 2013 General Election, saying little went wrong during the polls.
“There’s one universal rule with all elections, anywhere — something will go wrong. I’m surprised so little went wrong in 2013.”
The electoral commission has been criticised by the opposition on how it conducted the last election, with Cord leaders calling for its disbandment for allegedly bungling the poll.
