Ford Kenya has said its opposed to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to cap campaign spending.
The Moses Wetangula led Party said IEBC wants to make the 2022 election a “rich man’s event”
Party Organizing Secretary Chris Mandu said anybody should be allowed to vie in the election even if they have money or not.
“Election is not won on cash basis. The election is won on ideology and one’s development agenda,” he said.
Mandu added that Ford Kenya will ensure its marshals its troops in Parliament to ensure the regulations are not approved.
On Monday last week, the IEBC issued a Gazette Notice prescribing the amount of money political candidates and political parties will be allowed to spend in their 2022 campaigns.
According to the Gazette Notice dated August 9, 2021, a presidential candidate will be allowed to spend a maximum of Ksh.4.4 billion for their 2022 campaigns.
Those eyeing the Gubernatorial, Senatorial or Woman Representative seats also have their spending regulated.
Turkana County having the highest spending limit at Ksh.123 million followed by Nairobi (Ksh.117 million) and Marsabit (114 million).
Lamu County has the least spending limit at Ksh.21 million followed by Tharaka Nithi (Ksh.23 million), Elgeyo Marakwet (Ksh.25 million).
Those seeking positions in the National Assembly and County Assembly also have their spending limits prescribed in the gazette notice.
The spending limit is guided by the geographical size and population of the specific region.
Political parties will be allowed to spend up to Ksh.17 billion.
The authorized items or activities for which campaign expenses may be incurred by a political party include paying for venues where campaigns may be undertaken; publicity material for campaigns, advertising, campaign personnel, transport and any other justifiable expenses including communication, nomination fees, security, accommodation, and administrative costs.