Mariga’s request to IEBC after he was blocked from voting in Kibra

Jubilee Party candidate in the Kibra by-election McDonald Mariga could not vote for himself on Thursday since he is not a registered voter in the constituency but showed up to see how the process was being conducted.

Mariga is a registered voter Starehe constituency and had a message for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In an interview with KTN’s Lofty Matambo, Mariga asked the electoral body to ensure people in diaspora are registered saying there are many Kenyans abroad who are unable to participate in elections.

"As Kenyans living in the diaspora, we have not been able to register as voters and that's why I am not voting today but I am here.

“I will push for registration of people overseas,” he said.

The former footballer also called for calm during the voting process and expressed confidence that he will emerge victorious.

In September, the IEBC disputes tribunal overturned a decision by its officers to reject Mariga's candidature.

The tribunal, chaired by IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati, declared that Mariga was a validly registered voter and could not be denied his right to vie for Kibra MP seat.

"We make the conclusion that the complainant was duly registered as a voter. The respondent (Returning Officer) decision of September 10, 2019 declining the nomination of the complainant is hereby set aside,” said Chebukati.