Dr Eseli Simiyu on Tuesday blasted IEBC over the clearance of Jubilee Kibra flag bearer Macdonald Mariga.
During an interview on NTV’s AM Live show, the vocal Simiyu stated that the electoral body’s decision was not shocking.
Simiyu explained that the verdict made by the Wafula Chebukati team was influenced by pressure as the body is not independent.
“IEBC is supposed to be independent, it’s never been” remarked Simiyu.
The politician also pointed out that the elections body has been lowering the integrity of elected leaders.
He further reiterated that the verdict will see Mariga become the first leader elected in the country without having casted a vote before, if he wins the race.
Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi echoed Simiyu’s sentiments and made it clear that the IEBC needed to sort it’s house before being allowed to continue with its work.
“The culprit for messing up elections has always been IEBC.”
“We should act proactively to get IEBC to clean itself up and reconstitute it.” highlighted the Kiambu Senator.
Mariga’s was on Monday handed his nomination certificate by IEBC after he was termed legible to vie for the Kibra seat that was left vacant by the late Ken Okoth.
Kibra Returning Officer Beatrice Muli who had a week ago highlighted that the former Inter midfielder’s name was missing from the voters register, presented the document to the aspirant following the order given by Chebukati.
“The respondent is hereby ordered to process the Complainant’s Application for nomination as Jubilee Party’s candidate for Kibra Constituency By-election slated for November 7th, in accordance to the Law,” remarked Chebukati.
The footballer had on September 6 filed a petition at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s Disputes Resolution Committee to challenge the verdict made by Muli.
Mariga wasted no time to kick start his campaign as he made his way to Kibra shortly after the announcement was made.
The former Harambee Stars captain is set to battle it out for the position against ODM’s candidate Imran Okoth and ANC Candidate Eliud Owalo on November 7.