Kenya: Wavinya's Clearance Upheld as Tribunal Cites Lack of Jurisdiction on Credentials

19 June 2022
Capital FM (Nairobi)
By Irene Mwangi

Nairobi — The IEBC Dispute Resolution Committee has upheld the clearance of Machakos gubernatorial candidate Wavinya Ndeti.

A complaint had been filed before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) committee challenging the clearance of the Wiper gubernatorial candidate questioning her academic certificates.

The complainants claimed Ndeti does not hold a degree recognized in Kenya.

The IEBC Dispute Resolution Committee however ruled it lacked jurisdiction on the matter since the mandate to verify credentials is vested with the Commission for University Education.

"Cognizant of the evidence of the respective parties, the authorities and submission by the respective parties and the applicable law. The committee lacks jurisdiction to hear and determine the instant complaint and the returning officer acted in accordance with the law.The complaint lacks merit," the ruling stated.

The complainants, Gideon Ngewa Kenya and Kisilu Mutisya, poked holes as to how Ndeti acquired a master's degree without first having a degree.

The two wanted Ndeti's clearance certificate revoked adding that there were inconsistencies in the academic qualification she presented in 2013 and 2017.

"That the allegations made against the respondent therein disclose suspicion on the authenticity of academic qualifications of the respondent which squarely fall for investigation and prosecution by the office of Director of Public Prosecution," the ruling stated.

The Former Chief Administrative Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure was cleared alongside her competitors Johnson Muthama (UDA), Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Maliti (Maendeleo Chap Chap), and CCU's Nzioka Waita.

Read the original article on Capital FM.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2022 Capital FM. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.