Protests held over Governor candidate revocation, threaten to vote for Raila

Hundreds of supporters of Governor Candidate Thuo Mathenge yesterday poured to the streets of Nyeri over the candidate’s revocation in the August 8 poll.

The protesters paralyzed activities at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices, chanting pro-Mathenge slogans and waving twigs.

The protesters claimed that the candidate was being treated unfairly despite other candidates like Anne Waiguru, Mike Sonko and Ferdinand Waitutu being the ballot despite their pending court cases.

 “What we are asking is why Dr Thuo Mathenge is not in the ballot paper” Mr John Gichuki, a supporter said.

Mr Gichuki established that if there is no Thuo, there will be no voting.

The supporters also threatened to vote for Raila Odinga if their governor of choice is not on the ballot come August 8.

Peter Gitahi another supporter, compelled the IEBC to re-enlist the aspirant’s name back in the ballot paper.

“Mr Thuo paid Sh 100000 for nomination and the IEBC accepted the fee, if he did not have the academic qualifications they should have rejected the payment,” Mr Gitahi said.

Dr Thuo has been accused of falsifying academic credentials. However, he claims that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Commission for University Education and Interpol had cleared him on allegations of falsifying his academic qualifications.

“He has the right to vie for the seat like the rest of his counterparts,” Hellen Njambi said.

The angry protesters camped at the IEBC offices waiting to be addressed by the county electorate manager.

They were repulsed by police officers when they attempted to forcibly enter the IEBC offices.

The IEBC County Returning Officer Aluisia Kanini told the protesters to wait for the court verdict on Thursday, July 13.

She also said that IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati is in charge of the case and she does not have authority to engage in the matter.