The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been ordered to clear Timothy Maneno for him to run for Nguu/ Masumba ward seat.
According to his lawyer Mutuse Mwengi the court has cleared his client to vie for the seat in the by-elections slated for October 14, 2021.
“The court has directed IEBC to clear Maneno within 72 hours starting 2pm today, 20th Sept,” the politician’s lawyer stated.
Speaking after the court delivered its ruling, Mutuse expressed his happiness while wishing Maneno success.
”I’m happy that justice has been done to Hon. Maneno and the great people of Nguu/ Masumba. Kenya is a democracy. Let’s compete by selling our policies and not by blocking competition. I take this opportunity to wish Hon. Maneno success in his campaigns,” Mutuse said.
IEBC disqualified Maneno from vying for the position for failing to meet the legal timeline in delivering letters for clearance and to gazette his symbol.
“The IEBC’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) in its decision held that Timothy Maneno, an independent candidate, didn’t adhere with legal timelines set out in Gazette Notice No. 7520 and his complaint to be registered as a candidate for Nguu/Masumbu CAW by-election is dismissed,” IEBC earlier stated.
However his lawyer argued that the office of the registrar of political parties is to blamed for the mix-up.
The High Court stopped IEBC from printing ballot papers and proceeding with the Nguu/Masumba ward by-elections until the case filed by Maneno was heard and determined on September 9.
Nguu/ Masumba Ward seat was declared vacant after the death of MCA Harrison Ngui who succumbed to a road accident in July.
Eshio Mwaiwa of Wiper Party and Daniel Kivuva Musau of UDA are the only aspirants that had been cleared by IEBC to take part in the by-election.
Maneno previously served as MCA in the ward.
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