This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
On September 27, 2019, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati made a shocking revelation about his role in clearing McDonald Mariga's candidacy for the Kibra by-elections.
Chebukati confessed that he was forced to validate Mariga's registration details, despite the soccer star being a misfit in the electoral system.
According to Chebukati, he had initially cast aspersions on Mariga's candidacy, but external forces had forced him to clear the Jubilee candidate against his will and legal opinion.
"There are certain things someone does only when forced, but the truth will set us free," Chebukati said, opening up about the ordeal.
Chebukati clarified that Mariga was not eligible to contest in the Kibra by-elections, as he had been away from the country for over 20 years and was not registered to vote.
He also expressed concern about the wrong decision to have Mariga contest in an area where he was hardly known and unregistered.
Chebukati called on political leaders to shun the retrogressive culture of conniving with contestants to overrule the rule of law and instead embrace honesty and truthfulness.
He also sent a clarion call to Kenyans, particularly the Kibra residents, to vote wisely come election day to get a perfect replacement of the late Ken Okoth.
