Kigame threatens to call on supporters to boycott August polls if he’s not on ballot
Presidential hopeful Reuben Kigame has vowed to call on his supporters to boycott the August General Elections if the electoral body fails to include him in the race.
In a statement on Sunday, June 26, 2022, Kigame also threatened to marshal his supporters to shun media houses and other companies not speaking on the 'illegalities' being committed by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
"Let it be known. If we are not on the ballot by the time it is printed, I and my many followers will boycott not only the elections but every media company and product associated with anyone who has brought us to this point as a country. IEBC should enable, not hinder," Kigame said.
The renowned gospel artist, who was among several notable presidential aspirants whose nominations were rejected by IEBC for failing to meet the stringent requirements, said he was not begging to be on the ballot but only wants the Chebukati-led commission to exercise fairness.
He wondered why IEBC failed to clear him yet it had not processed his papers like other candidates.
"For 4 weeks I have patiently cooperated with IEBC, simply asking for a fair process so I can run for president. They will not process my application but insist I have not qualified. I call upon election observers to check the fairness and transparency of govt in this election," he added.
He blasted leading presidential candidates for keeping quiet when IEBC was stiffing the democratic rights of other candidates.
"What’s the point of having an election where IEBC has decided who will win and who should be on the ballot paper? Our competitors should be ashamed of their silence about the lie that it is only they that Kenyans want as leaders," Kigame added.
IEBC cleared only four presidential candidates, Deputy President William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, Raila Odinga of the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party, George Wajackoyah of Roots Party, and Agano's David Waihiga.
Kigame loses petition
The musician unsuccessfully challenged the decision before the IEBC Dispute Resolution Committee.
In its ruling, the committee said the law cannot be bent to suit those with physical challenges but can only be applied equally.
The aspirant has already filed a case in the High Court seeking orders to compel IEBC to clear him to run in the polls slated for August 9.
Kigame insists that he met the requirements set out by the constitution including the collection of 48,000 signatures from at least 24 counties.
