IEBC has failed to clear Murang’a governor aspirant Irungu Kang’ata following allegations his running mate did not resign in time.
Kang’ata was scheduled to be cleared on Monday morning.
But he was hit with a letter questioning whether his running mate, Winnie Mwangi, resigned by February 9 as is required for public servants Mwangi worked as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi.
The commission gave the duo until Tuesday to present proof that Mwangi resigned on time.
But Kang’ata read malice in the letter, saying it had been written by individuals attempting to block his clearance.
“We came to present our papers and we were surprised to find that a letter had been written to the returning officer objecting to my deputy governor’s clearance,” Kang’ata told journalists on Monday.
He said his team will use the time given by the IEBC to consult on the issue, as he pointed an accusing finger at his competitors, who he said are using ‘fake tactics’ to frustrate him.
He emphasised that the issues raised had nothing to do with integrity and only pertain to the dates when she resigned.
The Murang’a senator said they have evidence Mwangi resigned within the required time.
“I want to assure my supporters that we will be on the ballot and I know the people of Murang’a will continue to support UDA,” he said.
His lawyer, Gachii Mwanza, expressed surprise that Mwangi had not been presented with a copy of the allegations.
He said the returning officer only allowed them to read but not make any copies of it.
“I have had the opportunity to read the contents of the paper that I would term as malicious and done simply to tarnish the name of Winnie and to try and whittle down Kang’ata’s ticket,” he said.
Mwanza said legally, whoever wrote the letter should have given a copy to the subject otherwise the motive is malicious.
He said the allegations were that Mwangi did not resign on time, placing her in breach of the Elections Act.
The lawyer said the team will issue further reports after analysing the contents of the letter.
Mwangi said she had the required documents, dismissing the allegations as character assassination.
"We stand with the truth. We are professional people and we operate within the legal framework. We have followed every procedure required. Our detractors should focus on selling their agenda,” she said.
Mwangi had, however, been flagged by the EACC as one of the aspirants who may have flouted integrity requirements.
“The commission is verifying whether the aspirant resigned as an employee of the University of Nairobi as of February 9, 2022, in line with Section 43 (5) of the Elections Act, 2011,” EACC said.
Another letter written to the university’s management and drafted by Musa Boaz and Thomas Advocates on behalf of Phillip Mbau Kamau wants the university to indicate the exact date of her resignation.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
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