The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Wafula Chebukati has barred Safina presidential aspirant Jimi Wanjigi from contesting in the August polls on failure to have a degree certificate from a recognized institution.
“Degree certificate is mandatory and due to that, I am rejecting your application to be nominated as a candidate for presidential election slated for August 9, this year. That is my decision as the returning officer for presidential elections,” ruled Mr. Chebukati.
Chebukati also said Wanjigi on lacked insufficient signatures from at least 24 counties.
In response to the ruling by Chebukati the tycoon Wanjigi says the decision by the Chebukati-led commission is meant to reduce contenders in the state house race.
Wanjigi’s running mate Lawyer Willis Otieno has also demanded fair treatment by the IEBC in the clearance process.
While presenting their verification details, the lawyer lashed out at the IEBC chair, terming the decision to lock Wanjigi out as discriminatory.
“We want you to respond on the clearance that you gave to Walter Nyambane, similar facts, same university, was cleared on the strength of that letter. Why are you running away when it comes to our candidate?” Posed Wanjigi’s running mate Willis Otieno.