NASA Presidential candidate Raila Odinga has withdrawn from the October 26 repeat polls and has demanded for fresh elections.
In a statement to newsrooms on Tuesday, he described the decision as one that will yield a “win-win” for everyone according to the Star.
He explained that his withdrawal is constitutionally right and it will guarantee Kenyans a fair chance for free and credible polls
Raila says the Supreme Court explicitly talked about the withdrawal of a Presidential candidate.
“The Supreme Court clarified that the relevant article is 138 (8) (b) which deals with cancellation of a presidential election, in the event of the death of the president or the deputy, on or before the scheduled date. The Supreme Court expanded the clause to include when a candidate withdraws from the presidential election,” Raila said as quoted by the Star.
“The implication of this provision is that upon our withdrawal, the election scheduled for October 26 stands cancelled.”
He added that IEBC chaired by Wafula Chebukati is required to conduct fresh nominations as provided for in Elections Act 2011, Section 13 (1) which states: “A political party shall nominate its candidates for an election under this act at least ninety days before a general election under this Act in accordance with its constitution rules.”
However, IEBC in response said Raila’s withdrawal has been passed by time because he should have done it within three days after gazettement of new polls date [October 26].
Raila noted that from their assessment as NASA, they have concluded IEBC is not willing to institute reforms at t commission.
“All indications are that the election scheduled for October 26 will be worse than the previous one.”
The ex-Prime Minister said Jubilee’s push to change electoral law is an indication they cannot compete on a level playing ground.
“The only election Jubilee is interested in is one that it must win, even unlawfully,” he said adding “It is unfortunate that international actors who have supported Kenyans in their quest for democracy and good governance are now on the side of appeasing dictatorship in the mistaken belief that it will maintain stability