ODM’s Malindi by-election candidate Willy Mtengo yesterday dismissed as cheap propaganda reports his academic certificates are fake.
Mtengo told the Star those peddling claims of forged papers are malicious and "have sensed defeat" in the March 7 by-election.
"I can tell you for sure my papers are in order and the record of schools I have gone to is well known.
"These cheap antics by Jubilee are because they know I'm winning the race. Let us meet at the ballot," Mtengo said.
ODM, which has traditionally dominated the Coast, goes head to head with Jubilee, which is seeking to make inroads.
The poll will test the ground for 2017 and the stakes are high for regional politicians.
Mtengo said he sat his KCPE exams at Malindi HGM in 1986, giving his certificate number as 337466.
"I sat my KCSE certificate at Kenyatta High School in Mwatate, Taita Taveta, in 1992 and subsequently attended Schiller International University in Germany," he said.
MPs are required to have post-secondary education.
On Thursday, the Star reported questions have been raised about Mtengo's academic papers. It said documents indicating Mtengo submitted forged KCSE exam and first-degree certificates to the Kenya Ports Authority before employment and subsequent promotions.
Mtengo worked at KPA from 1998 to 2011, rising from cadet trainee to public relations officer and finally personal assistant to the MD in 2006. He became Resident Representative, Great Lakes Region, Grade HM 1.
Yesterday ODM issued a statement saying their candidate's papers were genuine.
"Mtengo has all the necessary/required documents, both academic and political (Nomination Certificate), to present to the IEBC on Monday.
"Therefore, there's no doubt Mtengo will fly the ODM party ticket and represent Cord in the by-election," ODM communications director Philip Etale said.
The statement said any information to the contrary was fabricated and part of a smear campaign.
“One can go ahead and confirm this with the respective institutions. This Monday, I shall present my papers to the IEBC where all this gossip will be put to rest,” Mtengo said.
On Monday, Cord co-principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang'ula will escort Mtengo to present his nomination papers.
At a rally yesterday, Coast leaders accused Jubilee of threats and intimidation.
"They know they have lost the seat. No amount of propaganda, intimidation will change the minds of the people of Malindi. Mtengo is the MP, period," Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho said.
He was joined by Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, as well as and Kilifi woman representative Aishsa Jumwa, nominated Senator Agness Zani, Mombasa woman rep Mishi Mboko and MP Badi Twalib.