BY SAM ALFAN.
Twelve activists have filed an urgent petition at the Supreme Court seeking to block Deputy President William Ruto and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua from being sworn into office in case they win the August 9 polls.
The activists want the case determined urgently arguing that Gachagua’s eligibility to contest over integrity questions is subject to an ongoing case before the High Court.
They say the matter should be determined urgently before the UDA candidates are sworn into office, in case they will the Tuesday General Election.
“Unless and until this court has determined constitutionality of the registration and gazettement of Deputy President William Ruto and his runningmate Rigathi Gachagua as candidate, it would amount to aiding and abetting illegality of the respondents are sworn into office in the event that they get elected,” the petition states.
The activists include Meshack Suba, Jackson Mwalulu, Amos Wafula, Sophie Dola, Julia Chege,James Maina, Simon Lokoma and Caroline Ayitso.
They argue that the validity of Gachagua nomination is subject matter of the petition before High Court and ought to be determined before the two are sworn into office.
They further argue that the petition seeks to safeguard and enforce the principles , values and objectives of the constitution including Chapter six therefore and it’s application to the eligibility of candidates for president and Deputy President.
They filed a petition at the High Court last week seeking compel the electoral body and EACC to enquire whether Gachagua is fit to hold public office in the wake of graft charges he is facing.
They argue that the petition seeks to safeguard and enforce the principles, values and objectives of the constitution including Chapter six therefore and it’s application to the eligibility of candidates for president and Deputy President.
They also want the court to issue a mandatory injunction compelling the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to inquire whether Gachagua meets the integrity questions to be cleared to contest the August 9 polls.
