The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has been forced to postpone the Kiagu ward by-election that was scheduled for October 14.
The step was taken due to pending court cases that were filed by two Kenyans whose had their candidature disqualified by the electoral body.
Milton Mwenda of Moses Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi and National Empowerment Union party candidate, Nathan Gitonga moved to court the high court in Nairobi after IEBC disqualified them from the mini-polls.
According to IEBC through the chairman, Wafula Chebukati, the body’s Leadership and Integrity Vetting Committee reached the decision following the duo’s contravention of election laws.
“The disqualification was grounded on finding that the two candidates did not resign from public office within seven (7) days after the declaration of vacancy for Kiagu ward,” part of IEBC’s press statement read.
The aggrieved parties obtained a conservatory order on September 30, 2021 restraining the Chebukati-led commission from printing ballot boxes and taking any further steps with the preparation of the by-election.
IEBC stated that during a October 7, 2021 sitting, the court extended the conservatory orders to October 21, 2021 when the judgment on the duo’s petition will be delivered.
The commission therefore announced that due to the extension, it will not conduct the Kiagu by-election that was scheduled for October 14, 2021.
The Kiagu ward County Assembly seat was left vacant after the death of Eunice Karegi, who was elected on a Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) party ticket.
The late Karegi who died on May 27 was one of the only two elected female MCAs in the Meru County Assembly.
She is said to have succumbed to cancer.
IEBC is set to conduct the Nguu/ Masumba ward by-election on October 14.
Last month, the court ordered IEBC to clear a candidate who had been disqualified from vying for the position.
Timothy Maneno was barred from contesting for the position by IEBC for failing to meet the legal timeline in delivering letters for clearance and  to gazette his symbol.
RELATED STORY: IEBC Ordered To Clear Candidate Within 72 Hours In preparation To An Upcoming By-election
