The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman and returning officer for the presidential election, Wafula Chebukati, has disqualified Ford Asili presidential candidate Njeru Kathangu from participating in the 9th August General Elections.
According to the Electoral Commission, Njeru Kathangu, who was slated to appear at Bomas of Kenya for the presentation of nomination papers today, Monday, 6th June 2022, failed to comply forcing Wafula Chebukati to disqualify him.
[IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati]
“Returning Officer for Presidential Election, Wafula Chebukati, disqualifies Ford Asili party’s presidential aspirant Njeru Kathangu, from participating in 9th August General Elections after he failed to appear before him for clearance as required” shared the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
This comes jointly after the commission disqualified Safina party presidential hopeful Jimmy Wanjigi for failing to meet the requisite threshold of submitting 47,975 valid signatures from at least 24 counties out of 47 across the country.
The commission also noted that Wanjigi lacked a University degree, a requirement for any presidential candidate to participate in the contest.
Wanjigi presented a transcript from Daystar University indicating that he is set to graduate from the institution in December 2022.
However, Wanjigi has accused Chebukati of terming his disqualification as an unfair move instigated by his opponents to block him from ascending to the country’s top seat.
He has threatened to move to court and sought legal intervention to be reverted back on presidential track ahead of the August contest.
“Wananiogopa, but we will fight for our rights. Our opponents have devised ways to block our movement but I can assure you that we are moving to court to challenge the decision. We will be in the ballot” he said
Third Way Alliance candidate Eukur Okot also suffered a similar blow for failing to sure 2,000 valid signatures in each 24 counties.
Candidate who have been cleared to vie for president includes: Kenya Kwanza Alliance presidential candidate William Ruto, Azimio – One Kenya’s Raila Odinga, The Roots Party George Luchiri Wajackoyah, Walter Mong’are mad Waihiga Mwaura.
