Jephnei Orina Nyakwema was on Saturday, March 12, disqualified from running for the presidency on the United Democratic Aliance (UDA) by the party's national executive council (NEC) for failing to raise the Ksh1 million nomination fees.
Orina, who had asked Deputy President William Ruto to shelve his presidential ambition in his favour, describing himself as the real hustler who would bring the much-needed change.
But who is this man, so daring to challenge the DP's presidential ambition? Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at the vibrant presidential aspirant who according to the UDA NEC, had checked all boxes save for the hefty nomination fees.
Jephnei is currently a student at the Kenya School of Law, where is pursuing a mandatory diploma in Law course before he is admitted to the bar as an advocate.
He is a holder of three degrees including a Bachelor of Laws (LLB ) from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelors of Arts in Education (History and Kiswahili) from Kisii University (2017)
A trained teacher, he has taught Kiswahili in secondary schools. Aside from his professional career, he has delved into business and is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tamara Furnished Apartments.
Orina, who hails from Kisii, was elected as the Chairman of the board of directors at Jiajiri Sacco and serves as the chair of the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) on a three-year term.
Prior to his bid for the country's top seat, the law graduate had interests in contesting for the Kisii County Senatorial seat under a Jubilee Party ticket. He has also been active in local politics.
Despite the several hats he wears, he still argued that he was unable to raise the party's nomination fees and went ahead to apply for a waiver. Nonetheless, the UDA NEC rejected his plea noting that all aspirants needed to be treated equally.
"I am the real hustler. For a young man from a tiny village in Kisii County whose father's name is not known, it was impossible to raise the funds, so I requested for a waiver," he claimed.
"All aspirants must e treated by the same rules blindfolded. We, therefore, advise our friend that this time he will not advance beyond this level," UDA party Deputy Chair, Kipruto Arap Kirwa stated.
Also interested in the UDA presidential ticket was Tracy Wanjiru, a third-year student at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) who was disqualified for failing to present a degree certificate as required by the party constitution.
