It was a big blow for Kalonzo Musyoka and Wiper party yesterday after their candidate for the Machakos gubernatorial seat, Wavinya Ndeti, was disqualified.

The IEBC’s disputes tribunal nullified Wavinya’s nomination after concluding that a complaint against her was valid. MCA Peter Kyalo had filed a petition claiming that Wavinya is a member of two political parties, namely Wiper and her own Chama Cha Uzalendo.

“This committee has considered submissions from both parties and has come to the conclusion that the complaint has merit and is therefore allowed”Commission chairman Wafula Chebukati said on Thursday.

Wavinya had been declared winner after two nominations, which were criticized as rigged, leading to big public fallout between Kalonzo and Machakos senator Johnstone Muthama. Muthama’s choice for the ticket was current deputy governor Bernard Kiala, who is now vying as an independent.

Wavinya termed the complaint as ‘witch-hunt’, but the tribunal concluded there was merit.

It remains unclear whether she has more legal options, or even whether Wiper can be allowed to nominate another candidate. In the meantime, it looks like Mutua’s path to a second term just got smoother.

Here are some of the comments following this unexpected twist.


https://twitter.com/mikael_son/status/872816980360925185