Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen is certain that McDonald Mariga’s candidature in the Kibra by-election is still on course.
Taking to twitter to express his opinion on the matter, the senator said Mariga was legally a candidate.
He further claimed that hurdles were being put by Jubilee competitors adding that they were afraid of the contest.
“Mariga as per the Constitution and the established law is qualified to be a candidate in the Kibra by elections. Those who are scared of competition are putting unnecessary roadblocks on his path.That was not a RED CARD and VAR will prove us right!” wrote the senator on his twitter page.
In addition, Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has urged Mariga’s supporters not to panic assuring them that the former football star will be in the ballot.
“I appeal to Mariga’s supporters in Kibra Constituency to remain calm. Tomorrow we’re to the @IEBCKenya Disputes Tribunal which will easily verify & find that @McDonald_Mariga is a registered voter. He will be on the ballot. Tukutane kwa debe,” tweeted Khalwale.
In simila angle, Jubilee Party blogger allied to Tanga Tanga side, Dennis Itumbi, dismissed the nullification of Mariga’s candidature saying his registration status was not any where close to Kethi Kilonzo’s case where she was blocked from vying on grounds that she was not a registered voter.
“The Kethi and Wiper vs IEBC was about other issues. It was claimed in court with IEBC tabling evidence that Kethi was registered in a phantom polling station in Karen.
Number two the slip number was traced to a booklet used exclusively to register Former President Kibaki,” said Itumbi.
Mariga’s ambition to lead the people of Kibera came to a dead end on Tuesday after Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) nullified his candidature.
The IEBC found that the Jubilee candidate was missing on the voter’s registrar hence rendering ineligible to contest for any political seat.
Mariga was handed 7 days to appeal the decision.
According to the IEBC, 30 aspirants registered to vie for Kibra by election.
23 candidates have been cleared by the commission; 16 are political party candidates while 7 are independent candidates. 7 aspirants were either disqualified or did not appear for clearance.
The by-election is set for November 7.