The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has finally cracked the whip on candidates with integrity issues ahead of the August 8 General Election.
The first casualty to be barred from contesting in the coming elections is Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant Chitavi Mkalla on a United Democratic Party (UDP) ticket.
IEBC had cleared him on Friday at 4 pm but cancelled the certificate at 9 pm following recommendations from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The aspirant was accused of flouting procurement procedures at Mombasa Water and Sewerage Company leading to the cancellation of the certificate.
Mkalla is said to have been found him guilty of the charges and fined him Sh 800,000 with an alternative of a three-year jail term.
Responding to the developments, Mkalla stated: "I paid the fine but the High Court refunded the money after my appeal. I was wrongfully convicted that is why the case is ongoing. This is not about the case. It's about some people hiding in masks trying to detract me but this will not stop Chitavi in my race to be Mombasa governor."
A number of candidates are facing integrity issues ahead of the elections with civil society and Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) recommending they be barred from holding public offices.
