A section of Jubilee supporters from Nyeri County has threatened to vote for National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate Raila Odinga if governorship candidate Thuo Mathenge will not be on the ballot paper come August.
The residents took to the streets on Sunday over Mathenge's exclusion in the August 8 polls and warned they might boycott the upcoming polls or vote for Odinga.
They paralysed activities at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices, chanting pro-Mathenge slogans and waving twigs.
The protesters claimed that the candidate was being treated unfairly despite other leaders like Kirinyaga governorship aspirant Anne Waiguru, Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko and Kabete Member of Parliament Ferdinand Waititu being on the ballot despite their pending court cases.
“What we are asking is why Dr Thuo Mathenge is not on the ballot paper. We might decide not to vote or we will vote for Raila if this prevails," said one of the residents amid cheers from the crowd.
Peter Gitahi another supporter, urged the IEBC to re-enlist the aspirant’s name back on the ballot paper.
“Mr Thuo paid Sh 100000 for nomination and the IEBC accepted the fee. If he did not have the academic qualifications they should have rejected the payment,” stated Gitahi.
Mathenge’s name was struck off the list of candidates cleared to vie for different seats following a petition by a voter over his eligibility due to questionable academic qualifications.
Justice James Wakiaga who heard the matter ruled that Mathenge was not qualified to vie for the seat.
“The petitioner did not attend classes at Fairland University and therefore the degree certificate awarded to him was not validly awarded. Mr Mathenge is not eligible to run for the office of the governor,” said Justice Wakiaga.
Also read: IEBC Kicks Out Thuo Mathenge from Nyeri Governorship Race
