High Court Disqualifies Mohamed Gedi from Fafi MP Race for Holding US, Kenya and Somali Citizenships
The High Court has nullified the candidature of aspiring Fafi MP Mohamed Gedi on grounds of holding citizenship of three countries.
In a ruling on Wednesday, Justice Abida Aroni noted that Gedi is not qualified to run for public office since he holds citizenship in Kenya, Somalia, and the United States. Article 78 (2) of the Constitution bars State officers from holding dual citizenship.
Gedi had been cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and issued a certificate to vie for the Fafi parliamentary seat in Garissa County on an Amani National Congress (ANC) party ticket.
Justice Aroni ruled that Gedi's registration by IEBC is unconstitutional as such it is null and void and ordered the clearance certificate he received from the commission to be rescinded immediately.
“The 1st Respondent is not qualified to run for the position of Member of Parliament for Fafi Constituency,” judge Aroni ruled.
Gedi was set to face off with Salah Yakub of the UDA party, Jubilee's Abdikain Osman, and KANU's Mohamed Diis Shafat for the Fafi parliamentary seat in the August 9th general elections.
Comments (6)
I and Ruto opposed this fucked up constitution during the referendum. Many called us names, even fools in diaspora. I and Ruto saw that chapter and wondered why someone is regarded a citizen as long as he fulfills the citizenry requirements,entitled to dual citizenship, has human rights as enshrined in the constitution but is denied public office due to dual citizenship .This is double speak.I can predict some opinion in this column will now go for Kihika .We need to polish this document
Its too raw and unsuitable in this era...Maybe the same constitution should bar dual citizens remiting dollars that they so religiously send.I don't blame the judge nor the appellant but we need a review of this document .please not a BBI type proposal though!
Article 78 (2) of the Constitution appears to be applied selectively. There many many people in public office or have been in public office who have dual citizenship including Waititu and Kaba Kabogo who are still citizens of India, Ruto's Ugandan passport is still active and Sonko who is an American citizen. Why does this article apply only to us Somalis?
Kaloki-running for Nairobi DG’s seat,Mindiwo,Irungu Kamau-running for Murang’a governor’s seat are all US citizens.But they are “OK” because they are in Kuzimia gang.
When/how did Sonko acquire an American citizenship? sisi wajinga?
There are many US citizens holding public offices in Kenya. I know one, already...
I think it is triple citizenship here not dual citizenship