Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has not been cleared to vie in the upcoming Nairobi gubernatorial by-election scheduled for early next year.
Speaking on Wednesday, December 30, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, said that the agency works in collaboration with other state organs for the thorough vetting of political aspirants.
Chebukati said that IEBC must rely on recommendations from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Commission for University Education and security agencies.
The electoral commission boss said the agency must adhere to constitutional stipulations to ensure that public officer holders meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.
He was speaking at the Bomas of Kenya where he presided over the launch of the verification of Building Bridges Initiative supporters’ signatures in the push for a referendum.
Chebukati’s remarks come amid heightened interest in the candidates who have declared their interest to vie for the Nairobi governor’s seat in the by-election scheduled for February 18, 2021.
The seat fell vacant after Governor Mike Sonko was impeached by the Senate over charges of abuse of office and gross misconduct among others.
On Tuesday, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission assured the public that leaders who have been impeached over misuse of public office will not be cleared to compete in political contests.
