IEBC clears jailed police impostor Joshua Waiganjo to vie for MP seat

Police impostor Joshua Karianjahi Waiganjo

Jailed police impostor Joshua Karianjahi Waiganjo has been cleared to vie for the Njoro parliamentary seat in the August 8 polls.

In a response to Mr Waiganjo's letter, dated February 13, 2017, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati said the agency agreed with his interpretation of Article 99 of the Constitution regarding his qualification to vie for the seat.

Chebukati further stated that the Constitution did not bar a convicted person from vying provided the person was still pursuing an appeal against his sentence and the same had not been determined.

Letter from IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati showing Waiganjo's clearance.

"The commission agrees with your accord to Article 99 of the Constitution regarding the qualifications and disqualifications from vying for a parliamentary seat, indeed the constitution does not bar a convicted person from vying provided one is still pursuing an appeal against his sentence," read part of Chebukati's letter.

The commission however advised Waiganjo to comply with various requirements to be allowed to vie as an independent candidate.

The letter dated February 16, 2017 indicated Waiganjo needs to submit a symbol for use during elections to the commission, submit a letter from the registrar of political parties confirming that he is not a member of any political party and secure a minimum of one thousand supporters who are registered voters, among other requirements.

Waiganjo is also expected to submit a duly filled nomination form together with all supporting documents to the returning officer of the electoral body.

Wishing him well in his political ambitions, IEBC however reminded Waiganjo, who is still serving a prison term, that he could lose the MP's seat, if he wins it, for missing eight consecutive sittings without the Speaker's permission in writing.

Waiganjo, who has already written to the registrar of political parties seeking confirmation that he is not a member of any political party, is optimistic he will win the parliamentary seat currently held by Joseph Kiuna.

"I have supporters, it's the people of Njoro who need my representation. I am pursuing my appeal and I believe I will be cleared. I have even written to the registrar of political parties to confirm I don't belong to any party," he said.