IEBC clears Senator Malala to run for Kakamega governor

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has been cleared by IEBC to seek the governor's seat.

On Tuesday, he was handed a clearance certificate by Kakamega IEBC coordinator Joseph Ayatta a few minutes after 2pm.

He was accompanied by Kenya Kwanza politicians including the ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Ford Kenya's Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka and Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala.

Judge PJ Otieno had earlier issued a ruling barring the IEBC from clearing the governor aspirant until a case challenging his academic qualifications was heard and determined.

The petitions were filed by Fred Muka and Frankline Anguche.

Malala's lawyers, Charles Malala and Grace Mburu, however, informed the  judge Tuesday was the deadline for clearance for all governor aspirants.

They argued that barring the IEBC from clearing Malala on Tuesday meant he would be out of the race.

The judge considered their petition and he reversed the order.

"I’m pleased to inform my supporters and the people of Kakamega that I have been cleared together with my deputy Beatrice Inyangala and we are now officially on the ballot," Malala said on Tuesday.

Inyangala said they want to transform the lives of the people of Kakamega.

Malala will face former Ketraco MD Fernandez Barasa and four others in the contest to replace Governor Wycliffe Oparanya in August.

Edited by A.N