BY NT CORRESPONDENT.
13 residents of Nzoia, Bugoma County now say that the government decision to give details of its programs and projects across the country over the four year period during election time is null and void.
In a certificate of urgency filed at the high courts in Nairobi, the petitioners are challenging section 14 of the Election offences Act 2016.
“Pending hearing and determination of the petition herein, conservatory orders issued to stay the implementation or enforcement of the provisions of section 14(2) of the Election Offences Act, 2016,”reads the petition.
In the petition the 13 claim that section 14(2) of the act as enacted, illegalizes publication of any information by the government on its achievement which limit access to information as guaranteed by article 35 of the constitution during the election period.
They further argue that the section violates the right of access to information as enshrined in the constitution.
Through their lawyer, they argue that there can be no reasonable restrictions for publication of information by the government of its achievements during the election period and such publication is for public good as the government accounts for the use of public funds without which Kenyans would be unaware of how public funds are applied by the government.
“The publication of achievement by the government is in ultimate public interest and for benefit of all Kenyans, ’ they claim.
