Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja has refused to table evidence showing that he was admitted and paid school fees to Team University in Uganda.
In an affidavit seen by Kenyans.co.ke. Sakaja responded to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Dispute Tribunal noting that the petition against him was malicious and aimed at keeping him off the campaign trail.
He dismissed demands by the complainant, Alex Musalia, that he provides evidence of admission, transcripts, clearance, names of lecturers among other details only noting that his graduation was not in doubt.
He added that his political opponents had used a booklet that had his name removed from the list of graduands - and submitted what he termed as a true copy of the original document.
"The complainants' wild allegations to the effect that I did not graduate from Team University are factually hollow and unfounded. For nefarious goals, the complainants have fraudulently omitted relevant pages of the graduation booklet that bear my graduation credentials."
"I am a law-abiding citizen who sought clearance to contest for the Office of Governor, Nairobi City County in the general election scheduled for August 9, and lawfully obtained the same. The personalized vendetta and smear campaign against me by the complainants is unworthy of response, to point out that the same is absolutely reckless and in absolute abuse Of legal process," Sakaja stated.
The senator further distanced himself from the concerns, arguing they were directed at a different person by the name Sakaja Koskei Johnson.
"I have never been known by the name Sakaja Koskei Johnson in any manner whatsoever or associated with the said person. The allegations made relate to one Sakaja Koskei Johnson and not myself by any imaginary stretch."
Sakaja noted that upon advice from his lawyers, the petition lodged against him was frivolous and had no legal grounds.
"The complaints herein are legally incompetent, fatally defective and procedurally untenable having been lodged outside the prescribed statutory timelines,"
"I am advised by my advocates on records, which advice I verily believe to be sound, that this Honourable Committee has no jurisdiction whatsoever, to entertain proceedings premised on a complaint lodged in contravention of the law."
The Senator has been on the spot after four petitions were filed against him by petitioners seeking to revoke his IEBC clearance, on grounds that he lacked the requisite academic certificates to vie for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.
