IEBC denied Kenyans wide choice at the ballot, presidential hopeful says

A former presidential aspirant has accused the electoral commission of denying Kenyans an opportunity to pick the next Head of State from a substantial pool of leaders. 

Julliet Makhapilla, who was eyeing the presidency on the Republican Liberty party ticket, before she was rejected by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, faulted the decision to bar an array of leaders that had declared interest in the State House race.

In an interview with The Standard, Ms Makhapilla said the commission's decision was a travesty of justice to not only the aspirants but also to voters who have been denied enough choices.

"Public interest was undermined by the public officers as genuine applicants for various political positions were disqualified, denied their constitutional and democratic rights, and maliciously blocked from partaking in the elective positions," she said.

IEBC had listed 55 presidential aspirants for pre-nomination but the names were whittled down to four candidates, Deputy President William Ruto (UDA), Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga, Roots Party's Prof George Wajackoyah and David Mwaure of Agano Party.

Of the 55 presidential aspirants, 14 are political party flag bearers, one from a coalition party and the remaining 40 are independent candidates.

IEBC directed all presidential aspirants to present 2,000 signatures from at least 24 counties as a pre-nomination requirement ahead of the August 9 polls.

Ms Makhapilla said radical transformation was needed in Kenya and across Africa.

"We cannot continue with 59 years of leadership that has not delivered or been working. Our systems are badly governed and that needs to be transformed. Well done to all supporters of better governance and those that support ordinary Kenyans," she said.

In her petition filed before the High Court challenging failure by IEBC to clear her, she argues that the commission chairman Wafula Chebukati unconstitutionally and illegally announced only four political parties, and presidential nominees.

"Chebukati failed to uphold the constitutional requirements relevant to a party presidential nominee from special interest groups as provided by the Constitution,” she stated.

She also wants the court to stop IEBC from gazetting the four presidential candidates as some have illegalities surrounding their nominations.

Ms Makhapilla believes she would have won this election but said irregularities and unequal level playing field disadvantage ordinary Kenyans.