IEBC clears candidates for Malindi mini polls

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) William Baraka Mtengo and Labour Party’s Attas Sharriff to contest for the Malindi Parliamentary seat in the March 7^th, 2016 by elections.

Mtengo was cleared amid allegations that he lack the requisite academic papers to qualify to run for the position.

Last week, he threatened to sue those behind the allegations that were published in one of the local dailies.

Addressing a rally attended by several ODM elected leaders from the Coast region, Mtengo dismissed reports alleging that he had forged his academic papers.

ODM also dismissed the claims as cheap propaganda meant to tarnish the name of their party’s candidate.

During his presentation of papers to IEBC Monday, Mtengo was accompanied by CORD luminaries Ali Hassan Joho, the Mombasa Governor, Amason Jeffa Kingi – Kilifi Governor and MP Junet Mohammed among others.

Five candidates are expected to present their papers Monday.

The Malindi Member of National Assembly seats fell vacant following the resignations of Dan Kazungu, on the 17th December 2015n upon his appointment to the Cabinet to head the Ministry of Mining.

The former MP replaced Najib Balala who was moved to the Ministry of Tourism in the same capacity.