IEBC ruling on Mariga's candidature slated for Monday next week

Jubilee's candidate for the Kibra by-election McDonald Mariga (centre) presents his nomination papers to IEBC officials in the company of Nominated MCA Anne Thumbi (right) and his supporter Abdi Ali Hussein. [David Gichuru, Standard]

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will issue its ruling on Monday on whether McDonald Mariga is eligible to vie for the Kibra seat.

The IEBC Disputes Tribunal today heard an appeal lodged by the Jubilee aspirant.

Mariga is contesting a decision by Kibra Returning Officer Beatrice Muli that the Jubilee aspirant is not a registered voter and thus not eligible to contest.

The Disputes Resolution Tribunal will be chaired by Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu while an officer from legal directorate will be the secretary.

Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju confirmed that IEBC had given them a date this morning.

Mariga, through the law firm of Majimbo A.G & Co. Advocates, filed the complaint at IEBC offices yesterday insisting that he is a registered voter.

In the affidavits, the footballer says he was enlisted as a voter on August 26, 2019, at Kariakor Social Hall polling station in Starehe Constituency and thus it was improper for the commission to declare him ineligible.

The Jubilee aspirant who is being pushed by Deputy President William Ruto argues that the move to bar him violates his rights and fundamental freedoms protected by the Constitution and the Elections Act.