Ombudsman to vet aspirants seeking political seats in August

The Commission on Administrative of Justice (Ombudsman) says it will commence the process of vetting aspirants who have expressed interest to contest for the various political seats ahead of the forthcoming August General Elections.

According to CAJ Chairperson Ms Florence Kajuju, the Commission will ensure that only competent individuals and those whose records are clean are allowed to contest.

The Commission, Ms. Kajuju said will work hand-in-hand with the IEBC, EACC and other relevant authorities in an effort to ensure only leaders who are accountable, have credentials to hold public office and do not have criminal records are given an opportunity to seek positions.

She said CAJ has the mandate and a capacity to conduct the exercise and called on the aspirants to comply the Ombudsman for clearance.

She spoke in Nyahururu town during a fete to open a new CAJ office that is meant to serve neighbouring Counties of Laikipia, Baringo, Bomet, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Samburu, and Nakuru among others.
Kajuju noted the decision to have an office in Laikipia is meant to decentralise the commission’s services to the lowest levels of governance.

She said the office will help members of the public seek and access justice as well as other government without being asked to part with a bribe.

The move was hailed by leaders from the area saying the establishment of the Ombudsman offices will ease dispute resolutions without necessarily going directly to courts.

Nyahururu High Court Judge Charles Kariuki observed that it was a constitutional right to have alternative dispute resolution and hence the office of the ombudsman will come in handy in easing such cases.

Rose Maitai, the CEC in Charge of Laikipia Health Services while representing Governor Ndiritu Muriithi during the fete said the office will help in investigating and addressing maladministration and violation of rights by public officers when citizens make requests for certain information from their offices.