Safina Party Presidential aspirant Jimmy Wanjigi’s bid to vie for the Presidency of the country in the coming August 9th General Elections hit a rock after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commision, IEBC, failed to clear him.
The Commission, while going through Wanjigi’s academic documents submitted to it, couldn’t find a copy of his original degree certificate, instead the businessman cum politician had attached copies of his academic transcripts.
According to section 22 (ii) of the Elections act, a Presidential, Deputy Presidential, County Governor and Deputy County Governor candidates are required to be degree holders, however according to IEBC, Mr. Wanjigi is not.
“The provision is that you must have a degree and give us a copy. I notice that you have attached transcripts, you will be graduating sometime in December, but what I need is a degree certificate,” IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati told Wanjigi.
The Commission further claims that Mr. Wanjigi’s supporters list was less by one County and also that there were inconsistencies in the identity cards submitted to it.
IEBC insists that all Presidential candidates must submit a list of at least 2000 supporters who are registered voters from at least 24 major Counties. The list must also be accompanied by copies of original national ID cards for the supporters.
“Although on this second, we have been allowing candidates to go and harmonize with our team,” added Mr. Chebukati.
Minutes after the blow from IEBC, a seemingly charged Wanjigi accused the Commission of being used by a group of individuals to bar some aspirants from running for the top job in the country.
Wanjigi says he is aware of a scheme by the state to stop him from contesting in the coming polls; however, he has assured his supporters’ of his candidature in August polls.
“And we shall vaccinate this IEBC in totality. With all the discrimination it has tried to do, we must vaccinate it away because it has become part of the virus. Let me assure you we will be on the ballot.” Wanjigi said
Of over 50 Presidential aspirants that had declared their interest in the State House race, IEBC has only cleared five candidates and handed them their nomination certificates.
Five include; Deputy President Dr. William Ruto (UDA), former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (Azimio – OKA), Pro. George Luchiri Wajakoya (Roots Party), former comedian Walter Mong’are alias Nyambane (Umoja Summit Party) and David Mwaura Waihiga (Agano Party).
At the auditorium of the Bomas of Kenya, where the validation and nomination of the Presidential candidates is being undertaken, Independent Presidential aspirant Eliud Muthiora Kariara burnt his voter’s card minutes after IEBC failed to clear him for the second time.
Kariara, who was disqualified for not submitting the required minimum number of supporters’ list, decided to burn his card saying it was an expensive exercise to collect and photocopy the required minimum number of ID cards.