UDA Kiambu Senatorial Aspirant Thang’wa Disqualified From Race

Karungo Wa Thang’wa, a Kiambu senatorial candidate, has been disqualified from vying in the August 9 election by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Disputes Tribunal.

The IEBC concluded on Sunday, June 19, that the former CEC had been impeached and was so prohibited from ever holding public office.

The tribunal denied the senatorial candidate’s argument that he resigned before his impeachment and upheld the Kiambu Returning Officer’s decision not to clear him.

“Our analysis of the fact and law as presented leads us to the conclusion that the respondent (IEBC) acted within the law to decline the complainant (Karungo) on the account of him having been removed from public office and presenting himself for nomination outside the gazetted terms,” ruled the tribunal.

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“In light of the foregoing, the committee upholds the decision of the returning officer in declining to nominate the complainant and the complaint is hereby dismissed with no order to cost.”

Thang’wa responded by accusing the tribunal of reaching an unjust decision, stating that he would not give up his struggle and pledging to take the case to court.

“The IEBC Dispute Resolution Committee has given a very dishonest ruling. Let us meet at the High Court. We are not letting go. We are here to stay!” said Thang’wa.

On May 26, Justice Anthony Mrima of the High Court issued an injunction prohibiting the IEBC from clearing Thang’wa, pending the outcome of an appeal brought forward by Kelvin Njui Wangari.

Read Also: UDA Kiambu Senatorial Candidate Thang’wa in Trouble After Court Blocked IEBC Clearance

Wangari had taken the UDA candidate to court, claiming that he was removed from office under the rule of former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, and so unable to run in the election.

“The IEBC is hereby prohibited from clearing Paul Karungo Thang’wa to vie as a candidate for any elective office at the August 9 Gen Election and or printing ballot papers bearing his name or symbol,” the court order read in part.

Thang’wa is not the only UDA lawmaker fighting to keep his or her seat.

Following issues raised about his degree certificate, Nairobi gubernatorial candidate Johnson Sakaja’s bid is in jeopardy.

Read Also: IEBC Declines To Clear Sonko for Mombasa Governor Seat

Before petitioners disputed his clearance to run for office, the Nairobi Senator presented a degree from Team University in Uganda to the electoral board.

The IEBC Commission Disputes Tribunal is expected to rule on the case later today.

Sakaja’s legal team has already filed a lawsuit in the High Court to overturn the Commission for University Education’s decision to revoke his degree.