Ferdinand Waititu headed to the ballot after court dismisses integrity case against him

Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) candidate Ferdinand Waititu shows his clearance certificate from IEBC to run for Kabete by-election. (Photo:File/Standard)

Nairobi: A High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the candidature of Ferdinand Waititu in the upcoming Kabete Parliamentary by-election.

Judge George Odunga ruled that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is best placed to hear integrity issues before elections.

The case, which had been filed under a certificate of agency by Benson Ritho, sought to bar Mr Waititu from vying for the MP seat.

Mr Ritho wanted the court to nullify Waititu's candidature in the Kabete race on grounds that he lacks the integrity to hold a public office.

Ritho has accused Waititu of grabbing his 50 acres in Embakasi and of using his political might to frustrate him.

He also accused the former Embakasi MP of hate speech from remarks he made years ago, ordering the Maasai to leave Kayole.

The Kabete seat fell vacant following the murder of George Muchai. His successor will  be determined in the May 4 by-election.