Solicitor General defends amended political parties and elections act

0
Solicitor General Ken Ogeto. Photo/Courtesy

The Solicitor General has told court that the Amended Political Parties and Elections Act was passed within the law.

Ken Ogeto Justices Esther Maina, Hedwig Ong’udi and Daniel Ogembo said that there was extensive public participation before the Bill was sent to the parliament.

“The amended Political Parties and Elections Act was passed by the parliament within the law,” the Solicitor General said.

He told the three judge bench that there was no violation as alleged by the petitioners.

The court further heard that if any violation exists, it can be rectified to suit the said amendment.

Ogeto submitted that the amendment does not compel political parties to form coalitions as alleged by the petitioners.

The petitioners, Katiba Institute, Africog, Kenya Human Rights Commission among others want the court to declare the amendment as unconstitutional and a violation of the law.

According to the petitioners, the amended act were passed in bad faith and without public participation.