The High Court in Kericho has ruled that UDA aspirant John Chebochok, implicated in a sex scandal, is unfit to hold public office.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, February 19, the court found that Chebochok had grossly violated the Constitution.
The aspirant was exposed in a BBC investigation for allegedly soliciting sexual favours from employees seeking jobs in tea farms in Kericho.
High Court Declares UDA Aspirant John Chebochok Unfit for Public Office. Photo: Courtesy.
As a result, the court declared him ineligible to contest or hold any public office in Kenya.
“The Court issues a declaration that the 1st Respondent violated Articles 10(2), 26, 28 and 73 of the Constitution and is therefore unfit to hold any public office in the Republic of Kenya, and; A declaration that the 1st Respondent is consequently ineligible to contest for any public office and is consequently barred from holding any public office,” the judgment read in part.
The judge also issued an order preventing Chebochok from being sworn in as Director of the Tea Factory, Ainamoi Zone.
Additionally, the court directed the Kenya National Human Rights and Equality Commission to investigate systemic sexual exploitation in the tea industry under their mandate in Article 59 of the Constitution.
The ruling was welcomed by the Coalition Against Sexual Violence, which had petitioned against Chebochok’s ascension following the BBC expose.
Many Kenyans raised concerns over why President William Ruto’s UDA party was associated with Chebochok, noting that he had attended a party meeting at State House despite the allegations.
