This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
On September 25, 2019, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati made a shocking admission, revealing that he was forced to validate the registration details of McDonald Mariga, a move that put the soccer star back in the race for the Kibra by-elections.
Chebukati stated that he succumbed to pressure, including threats to his life, and cleared Mariga against the law, saying, 'There are certain things someone does only when forced, but the truth will set us free.'
According to Chebukati, Mariga's candidacy was a misfit in the Kibra by-elections, as he was not a registered voter and had been away from Kenya for over 20 years.
Chebukati also expressed concern over the decision to have Mariga contest in an area where he was hardly known and unregistered, calling it a wrong decision.
He further stated that external forces had forced him to clear Mariga's candidacy, against his will and legal opinion, and that the electoral commission has been denied the opportunity to discharge their duties freely by some politicians with vested interests.
Chebukati called on political leaders to shun this retrogressive culture and embrace honesty and truthfulness, allowing the rule of law to apply to all.
