TNA wants Kethi barred from contesting Makueni senate by election

Kethi Kilonzo says she is a registered voter [Photo:Standard]

By Standard Digital Reporter

NAIROBI,KENYA: The National Alliance has claimed that Kethi Kilonzo is not a duly registered voter and should not be cleared to contest the Makueni Senate by-election.

In a letter to chair of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Isaac Hassan, TNA alleges that Kethi does not appear in the voter registration roll and did not vote in the March 4 general election.

“TNA urges the IEBC to reject the proposed candidature of Ms. Kilonzo on the grounds that she is not legally qualified to contest for a Parliamentary Seat under the relevant Section of the Elections Act,” the letter written by TNA lawyer Jasper Mbiuki stated.

But Kethi has since denied the allegation and said she is a registered voter and will present her nomination papers to IEBC in Makueni on Thursday.

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Speaking to The Standard on phone, Kethi said IEBC has records which prove that she is registered.

In the letter, TNA warned IEBC that it does not have the legal authority to register any new voters with respect to either the Makueni by-election.

TNA also argued that Wiper Democratic Party cannot field another candidate to replace Kethi.

This is by virtue of Section 13(2) of the Elections Act which states: A political party shall not change the candidate nominated after the nomination of that person has been received by the Commission,” the letter stated.

TNA said considering her impending disqualification, her participation either as a candidate or as a voter would be a criminal act punishable by a fine not exceeding Sh1 million or six years imprisonment.

“We are all too aware that the IEBC will no doubt come under intense pressure to sweep this issue under the rug from powerful undemocratic forces who have no respect for either the Constitution or the Rule of Law. However the IEBC must remain steadfast and apply the Law without fear or favour,” the letter stated.

The claim by TNA comes a day after CORD unveiled Kethi as its flag bearer under the Wiper Party in the Makueni Senate by-election.