Parties in last-minute rush to submit names for Nairobi by-election

 

Political parties intending to participate in the Nairobi by-election are expected to submit names of their candidates by the end of today (Monday).

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said names of persons contesting in a party primary and the date of the party primary should be submitted on or before Monday, December 28, 2020.

“Candidates intending to participate in the Nairobi Gubernatorial By-election as independent candidates shall submit their names and symbols that they intend to use during the by-election for purposes of nomination of independent candidates to IEBC on or before December 28, 2020,” IEBC said.

In a gazette notice, IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati said names of candidates submitted to the commission will be published within 7 days of receipt.

The campaign period is scheduled to begin on January 18, 2021 and end 48 hours before the by-election date.

The polls body has set February 18, 2021 as the date for the by-election to replace former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko following his impeachment.

Also Read:

1. By-election to replace Mike Sonko as Nairobi Governor set for February 18, 2021
2. Swearing in of Benson Mutura as acting Nairobi Governor postponed
3. Benson Mutura to be sworn in as acting Nairobi Governor

Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Benson Mutura was sworn in as acting Governor on December 21, 2020.

The law requires that in the event of a vacancy in the offices of governor and deputy governor the Speaker takes over for a period of 60 days.

Sonko became the second governor to be impeached after Ferdinand Waititu of Kiambu County.