Reuben Kigame ‘ready to face Raila, Ruto’ after court ruling
Reuben Kigame wants a process to clear presidential aspirants repeated or extended to all aspirants following the court ruling.
Mr Kigame, an Independent presidential aspirant who was not cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest in the August 2022 polls, maintains the process of nominating presidential candidates was not fair.
Kigame adds he is ready to take part in the polls if he is cleared by the electoral body.
“The entire process was not fair because most of us were locked out which I believe was deliberate. This ruling gives us hope and a window so that we can be cleared to contest,” said Mr Kigame in an interview with Nairobi News.
On Tuesday, the High Court quashed directives that require presidential candidates to submit copies of identification documents of their supporters.
Justice Anthony Mrima, in a judgment that could make the presidential election a crowded race, said the regulations that required independent candidates to submit copies of identification documents of their supporters are unconstitutional.
The Justice said the regulations enacted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in 2012 and amended in 2017 contravened the Constitution and the Data Protection Act.
Mr Kigame, a renowned gospel artist has also called for the resignation of IEBC chairperson Mr Wafula Chebukati over discrimination since was visually impaired.
“Mr Chebukati is discriminating against people living with disabilities because when I presented those copies but he refused to look at them. And in fact, he refers to me as the other gentleman whenever he is talking to the press . . . he is not referring to me by my name,” added Mr Kigame.
He said that “Mr Chebukati is not fit to hold the office and I believe that he should be replaced He is discriminatory and a snob. And in this country, we have enough good lawyers.”
He also alleged that Mr Chebukati failed to scrutinize copies of identification documents even after collecting the signatures across the country.
He noted that by barring a number of aspirants the poll agency limited the voters’ choices at the ballot.
“Among the four candidates, one of them does not have a degree, another has dual citizenship while others have serious ethical issues but we are not looking at them.”
He said that the Constitution protects persons living with disabilities (PWDs) and faulted Mr Chebukati for alleged discrimination in participating in the elections.
“Article 27 that every person has equal and equal protection and benefits. The same constitution also states that the State shall not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, culture, language, birth, health status,” added Mr Kigame.
At the same time, he said that his manifesto is centered on providing humane and responsible leadership aimed at addressing corruption, improving the food security and quality of health care to the Kenyans.