Azimio presidential running mate Martha Karua and her Kenya Kwanza counterpart Rigathi Gachagua will have their images on the ballot papers should temporary orders by the High Court stand.
In a court order issued by the Court on Wednesday, June 29, Justice Antony Mrima directed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to include the images of all running mates on the ballot papers following a petition filed by lawyer Mugambi Imanyara.
The judge noted that the orders were timely as the electoral body was yet to begin the printing of ballot papers.
The order will also apply to running mates of gubernatorial candidates.
“Since printing is yet to begin, the IEBC can still comply with the order of the court. It is for this reason that the application for stay is declined.
“Pending the hearing and determination of the petition, the IEBC will include the photograph or image of the persons who were nominated as Deputy Presidents and Deputy Governors in the ballot paper to be used in the General Election to be held on August 9,” the judge ruled.
Justice Mrima issued the orders despite the Commission pleading with the court to suspend it as they revealed that they would move to the Court of Appeal over the matter.
However, the judge argued that the printing of other ballot papers would still go on even as they await the final determination on the matter set to be heard on July 14.
In his petition, Imayara argued that the exclusion of the images of running mates was a violation of the constitution stating that it was discriminatory.
“Photographs of all candidates who vie for elective positions on joint tickets play a major role in persuading voters into voting leaders of their choice,” he stated.
Currently only images of the candidates appear on the ballot including the party symbols and the names of running mates.
IEBC is set to begin the printing of ballot papers in Greece following the awarding of the Ksh3 billion tender to Inform Lykos.
However, the process faces legal hurdles following petitions filed by various candidates including businessman Jimi Wanjigi who wants the process halted before his case on his candidature is determined.
