This archive report was first published on 24 September 2021.
On September 24, 2021, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) made a crucial decision regarding the upcoming Meru's Kiagu ward by-election, slated for October 14.
The IEBC's vetting committee disqualified Milton Mwenda of Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) and Nathan Gitonga (National Ordinary People Empowerment Union-NOPEU) from contesting after finding that they had failed to resign as public officers within the legally provided timeline of seven days after the declaration of the vacancy.
The Commission gave the CCK party, led by Gatundu South lawmaker Moses Kuria, a 72-hour window to nominate another candidate to contest in the by-election.
According to a statement issued by the electoral commission, the committee found the two candidates to have failed to resign as public officers within the legally provided timeline of seven days after the declaration of the vacancy.
The seat fell vacant after the death of Eunice Karegi, who was elected on a Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) party ticket. The late Karegi, who died on May 27, was one of the only two elected female MCAs in the Meru County Assembly.
IEBC's move to lock out the CCK candidate angered Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, who vowed to challenge the decision at the High Court.
