Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala’s troubles have mounted after another petitioner has lodged a case with Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) seeking the commission to revoke his (Malala) clearance certificate for the gubernatorial contest in Kakamega.
Felix Ongandi argued that Malala’s clearance at IEBC was improper following the pending case over the alleged United States International University (USIU) degree certificate and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education at Friends School Kamusinga in Bungoma.
“That the nomination was improper due to the fact that the genesis of senator Cleophas Malala’s degree certificate and KCSE has not been resolved” reads the complaint.
IEBC has slated to hear and determine the case today, Friday, 17th June 2022 in the evening.
This follows another case lodged on 3rd June by Fred Muka, who compelled the Tribunal to revoke Malala’s clearance certificate citing forgery of his University degree and form four (4) Certificate.
Muka argued that Malala’s graduated from United States International University (USIU) in August 2011 but was issued with the degree certificate in August 2019, raising concerns over the possibilities of forgeries and obtaining through falsification. He also complained that despite having graduated from USIU, Malala’s name was missing on the list of graduands.
He also noted that in Malala’s form four (4) certificate, the KNEC code is quite different from Friends School Kamusinga, where he claimed to have completed his secondary studies.
Malala’s controversial academic credentials have pitched a huge hurdle on his gubernatorial bid ahead of the August election.
Malala endorsed by Oparanya’s deputy
Recently, Malala’s candidature received a significant boost after Wickliffe Oparanya’s deputy, Philip Kutima defected from Azimio – One Kenya to endorse him (Malala).
He is set to battle for the seat with Azimio – One Kenya candidate Fernandez Barasa, who received a huge boost after former Lugari MP Ayub Savula (DAP-K) dropped his ambition of clinching to the county seat, to deputize him (Fernandez Barasa).