IEBC challenges court order on inclusion of Kigame in Presidential race

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has  appealed against the High Court order compelling it to clear Independent Candidate Reuben Kigame to contest for presidency stating that it will affect poll timelines.

In its appeal, the electoral body contended that Kigame failed to meet the 48,000 signature requirement which they insist is a constitutional requirement according to Article 137 of the constitution, therefore his nomination was null and void.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati argued that Kigame had only presented a list of 1,013 supporters as at 25th May, 2022 which was the set deadline for submission of the list of nominating supporters.

“The Commission has not had sight of any other list of supporters adverted to in the Court’s Judgment and is not aware that the list of supporters was presented before the Honourable Court to enable the Court arrive at the conclusions contained in the Judgment,” Chebukati stated.

The commission further stated that the inclusion of Kigame would draw back the preparedness of the commission as it would require the reprogramming of all the 55,650 KIEMS kits and redesigning printing of ballot papers.

“The reprinting, repackaging and eventual rebooking and rescheduling of flights to deliver the pallets to the central warehouse which the printer confirms will not be possible in time for the general elections slated for the 9th of August, 2022,” he said.

The electoral body stated that the statutory changes to include the independent presidential candidate on the ballot would cost the commission an extra budget.

“The cost of printing new ballot papers and rescheduling freight is not less than eight million Euros (approximately Sh971million). This amount is not in the Commission’s election budget,” said Chebukati.

“The said processes, subject to availability of the budget, require a minimum of thirty (30) days, yet we are at nineteen (19) days to the general election,” he added.