Editor's Review

The Court directed the IEBC to resolve the concerns raised by Kuria's party before heading into the mini-polls.


The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been barred from conducting the Kiagu Ward by-election following a court pension by Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria.

This is after the commission suspected the Chama Cha Kazi Party MCA aspirant, Milton Mwendwa.

The Court directed the IEBC to resolve the concerns raised by Kuria's party before heading into the mini-polls.

File image of IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati. |Photo| Courtesy|

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IEBC through a statement on September 23, barred Mwendwa from contesting the Kiagu Ward mini-polls set to be held on October 14.

According to the commission, the Chama Cha Kazi aspirant failed to resign from his work as a public servant within the stipulated period of seven days from the declaration of the vacancy.

"The commission’s Leadership and Integrity Vetting Committee has disqualified Milton Mwenda and Nathan Gitonga from contesting in the Kiagu County Assembly ward by-election in Meru County that is slated for 14th October 2021.

"The Committee found the two failed to resign as public officers within the legally provided timeline of 7 days after the declaration of the vacancy. Chama Cha Kazi party has been given the option of nominating another candidate within 72 hours to contest in the by-election," the IEBC statement read in part.

The commission then directed Chama Cha Kazi to present another candidate within 72 hours.

However, Kuria dismissed the request, and vowed to challenge the matter in court. He accused UDA of orchestrating the doing.

"IEBC has disqualified the Chama Cha Kazi candidate for Kiagu By-Election Milton Mwenda Kabobo following a petition by the South Imenti UDA Coordinator Salesio Mutuma Thuranira. The party has been asked to submit a replacement candidate. We are dissatisfied with this decision and we will move to the High Court," Kuria tweeted.

Nathan Gitonga of the National Ordinary People Empowerment Union (Nopeu) was also disqualified from taking part in the by-election.

The seat was declared vacant after the demise of former MCA  Eunice Karegi of Maendeleo Chap Chap party (MCC).