Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has opted to head to court to challenge the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) decision barring him from running for the Nairobi Governor seat.
This is after IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati denied him a slot at the ballot saying any impeached individual cannot run for an elective seat.
In the petition, Waititu wants the court to compel Chebukati to accept his candidature. He argues that the decision by Chebukati is denying him of his political rights and fair trial, which is guaranteed under the Constitution.
“I will continue to suffer without the intervention of this Honourable Court, which ought to look at the process that was both illegal and procedural leading to the decision that has been stated by the First Respondent (IEBC),” says Waititu in his court papers.
High Court Justice Anthony Mrima has certified the matter as urgent and directed Waititu to serve his court papers on all parties before the case is heard on January 7.
The impeached governor has also accused the electoral body and the anti-graft agency of engaging in a smear campaign against him acting as Judge, Jury, and Executioner by convicting him even when the Sh588 million criminal case against him is still pending in court.
“As it stands, I have not been convicted of any crime and have fully complied with all electoral guidelines,” he notes.
