- 174 views
Hours after Machakos gubernatorial candidate Wavinya Ndeti was barred from contesting for the seat by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), she has called on her supporters to calm down, assuring them that she will be in the ballot.
The IEBC dispute resolution tribunal on Thursday ruled that the Wiper Party Nominee belonged to two parties and, therefore, could not be allowed to run for the seat.
According to the poll body, the Kathiani lawmaker belonged to both Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) and Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Democratic Movement, which nominated her to contest for the Machakos top seat.
"As at the time of the nomination of Ndeti, she was both a member of CCU and Wiper party which is against the law," said the panel.
The ruling was made following a petition filed before the tribunal, challenging her eligibility to vie while belonging to two political outfits.'
"The decision is not factual. I resigned as a member of CCU before joining Wiper and my documents are with the Registrar of Political Parties," Wavinya told reporters, after the ruling, Thursday.
"I urge my supporters to remain calm, and I'm assuring them that I'll be on the ballot," she added.
The aspirant filed a petition to the High Court on Friday morning, under certification of urgency, seeking to reverse the orders by IEBC.
Wavinya said that she has already contacted her legal team who will be seeking to reverse the decision that has given incumbent Machakos governor Alfred Mutua a major relief, as Wavinya was considered his main challenger in the race.