Kenya’s Top Lawyers Fault IEBC Over Mariga’s Ruling

Just minutes after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared Jubilee party’s McDonald Mariga to contest for Kibra parliamentary seat, a section of country’s top lawyers have taken to social media to fault the commission over its ruling.

The commission on Monday morning reversed the verdict of the Kibra Returning Officer and allowed Mr. Mariga to run in the Kibra MNA by election on 7th November, 2019.

The IEBC Dispute Resolution Committee has reversed the verdict of the Kibra Returning Officer and has allowed Mr. Mariga to run in the Kibra MNA by election on 7th November, 2019

— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) September 16, 2019

But city lawyer Donald Kipkorir and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo have disagreed with the ruling. Donald Kipkorir has faulted the Wafula Chebukati-led commission for locking out Kibra voters for registration after the seat was declared vacant by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi but allowing Mariga, a non-Kibra resident to register.

The flamboyant lawyer says that IEBC’s decision is a “Great Travesty Of Justice”.

“With tremendous respect, I wholly disagree with IEBC ruling on McDonald Mariga. That the law PROHIBITS all residents of Kibra from registering as Voters once the Seat was declared Vacant but allow Outsiders to register as Voters & contest the seat is a Great Travesty Of Justice,” he posted.

With tremendous respect, I wholly disagree with IEBC ruling on McDonald Mariga. That the law PROHIBITS all residents of Kibra from registering as Voters once the Seat was declared Vacant but allow Outsiders to register as Voters & contest the seat is a Great Travesty Of Justice.

— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) September 16, 2019

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo who is also one of the country’s top laws has also faulted the commission, calling for Kenyans to kick out the commission for being biased.

“Listening to the Pontifications & Prevarications Of The IEBC Commissioners; It is clear to me, more than before, that we must Sweep the Commission Clean at the Top Levels!” he posted.

#Marigaverdict.., Listening to the Pontifications & Prevarications Of The IEBC Commissioners; It is clear to me, more than before, that we must Sweep the Commission Clean at the Top Levels!

— Hon. Otiende Amollo (@OAmollo) September 16, 2019

Mariga petitioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission after Kibra returning officer Beatrice Muli invalidated his nomination on grounds that his name was missing from the register of voters.

ALSO READ: Mariga Reinstated as Jubilee Flag Bearer in Kibra

Mariga’s legal team led by lawyer Elisha Ongoyi pushed Muli to admit an error on her part and pleaded with the committee to rectify the mistake by overturning the decision.

The seat fell vacant after former MP Ken Okoth died of cancer on July 26 at the Nairobi Hospital.