High Court Orders IEBC to Clear MP Aspirants with No Degrees

The High Court has ordered Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to clear all MP aspirants without degree certificates. 

Justice Anthony Mrima issued the order on Thursday following a case filed by four petitioners, who are eyeing parliamentary seats in the forthcoming elections.

The electoral commission is required to clear such aspirants for election pending the hearing and determination of the petition filed by the four.

"That pending the determination, IEBC shall issue the petitioners herein and any other person intending to vie for the position of an MP with a condition clearance subject to the outcome of this petition and upon certifying the rest of conditions as imposed by IEBC," Justice Mrima ordered.

The petitioners; Kipas Lengues, Jimmy Parnyumbe, Luka, Noonyuat Sankei and Tipapa Ole Kirrokor are aspiring to vie for parliamentary and senatorial seats in Narok County in the August 9th elections.

“There is a real and present danger that unless the matter is heard as a matter of urgency and the said provisions suspended, the petitioners will be locked out from the party nominations and subsequently general elections,” reads the court papers.

The case will be heard on March 17th.

On February 3rd, IEBC announced that candidates seeking parliamentary seats in this year’s elections must have university degrees.

IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein in a statement on said only candidates with degrees from recognized universities would be cleared to contest for Member of Parliament (MP) positions in line with section 22(1)(b)(i) of the Elections Act.

“Unless declared unconstitutional by the Court, the degree requirement for Members of Parliament is in force and is trite law,” Marjan stated.