The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has barred renowned gospel artist Reuben Kigame from the August 9 presidential race citing failure to meet the set requirements.
While addressing the media on Monday, May 30, Kigame revealed the electoral body's decision was conveyed to him by the Commission's chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, who told him that there were anomalies with the signatures collected to support his candidature.
An attempt to have a sit down with Chebukati yesterday proved futile even as he disclosed that he would take legal action against the Commission.
Bomas of Kenya on Monday, May 23, 2022
He stated that the electoral body had demonstrated favoritism towards some candidates stating that he was ready to resubmit his documents that had anomalies.
"Here is evidence of signatures and ID copies that IEBC refused to take and then charged me with non-compliance. They will not even look at my degrees and other qualifications. Let justice roll down like water and the cry of freedom from discrimination fill the air.”
"When I wanted to seek audience with the Chair and have a redress of this matter, security barred me from entering the Bomas of Kenya saying no aspirant was being allowed. I was pre-judged based on signatures, which they did not receive and are still lying in my car," he stated.
His case was similar to the Murang'a governor, Mwangi wa Iria, of the Usawa Kwa Wote party who was barred from the race over issues relating to signatures collected.
Chebukati refuted claims that the Commission was being influenced to bar some of the aspirants stating that those affected did not meet some of the requirements set by IEBC.
“From our records, governor Iria presented 24 bundles but in that there were only signatures from 22 counties. Upon further verification, only documents for five counties passed the test,” he stated.
On the other hand, the Roots Party presidential hopeful, George Wajackoyah, was given until June 2 to resubmit signatures from 7 counties that did not meet the IEBC standards.
"I have to reject your application today and give you an opportunity on June 2 at 3pm to comply. You have complied with all documentation except the supporters' list. Only 17 counties are compliant. The others have shortfalls. You need a minimum of seven to meet the requirements," Chebukati told Wajackoyah.
According to the law, presidential aspirants are expected to submit at least 2,000 signatures from 24 counties of voters supporting their State House bid.
