Thirdway Alliance presidential candidate Ekuru Aukot was on Wednesday handed a lifeline after the High Court ruled that he should be included in the October 26 presidential election.
Speaking after the ruling, Aukot affirmed that he would be on the ballot paper, rubbishing previous reports that he was contemplating withdrawing his candidature.
"I wish to thank the court for this decision. It has protected the will of the people and we have reaped the benefits of our efforts. I will be on the ballot," he stated.
[caption caption="Ekuru Aukot"]
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Aukot also aimed a jibe at his competitors for underestimating his importance, as his inclusion had a significant impact on the fresh election.
"Never underestimate the power of small people. If you do, try sleeping in a dark room with a mosquito #FreshElections #AukotCase," he wrote on Twitter.
He added that his Party had been sidelined during discussions with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and would now retreat to come up with a strategic plan ahead of the election.
Dr Aukot also stretched out his hand to IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati, noting that he was willing to hold discussions with the electoral body regarding the forthcoming election.
[caption caption="IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati"]
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Giving a ruling on the matter, Justice John Mativo directed the IEBC to amend a gazette notice it had issued on presidential candidates to contest in the repeat election to include Mr Aukot's name.
In his judgment, the judge ruled that Aukot was party to the petition challenging President Uhuru Kenyatta’s election, as an interested party.
The judge stated that there was no reason why the petitioner should not be included in the upcoming election.
