Amid escalating political friction across rival camps, the High Court has halted premature political campaigns, declaring that such activities compromise the constitutional right to free and fair elections.
In a significant decision, Justice Hedwig Ong’udi instructed Attorney General Dorcas Oduor to draft clear legislation governing political campaign timelines within the next 12 months.
“The court hereby declares that conducting political campaigns outside the designated election period infringes upon the rights to equality, legal protection, peace, impartiality, development, the rule of law, and the right to free and fair elections,” the judgment stated.
This ruling stemmed from a legal challenge filed by a civil society organisation committed to defending the rights of disadvantaged and marginalised groups in Kenya.
The petitioners raised concerns about legal loopholes that allow early political campaigns to take place unchecked. They also asked the court to clarify whether any existing law defines the official campaign period.
The court’s decision comes amid growing animosity between political figures aligned with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance and a reinvigorated opposition movement led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. CLICK HE|RE >>>>High Court Rules Early Campaigns Illegal, Orders AG to Draft New Election Lawto read the full story
