Kilifi, KENYA: Kilifi County wiper gubernatorial aspirant Professor Gabriel Katana has pulled out of the race after IEBC failed to clear him on Friday.
Prof Katana’s said the commission cited that his candidature was in two different political parties, the Vibrant party of Kenya and the Wiper democratic movement.
Speaking at Kilifi social hall on Saturday, the Pwani University don claimed his failure to get clearance was politically initiated.
His exit from the race is believed to be a big relief to the incumbent Governor Amason Kingi who is defending his seat on an ODM ticket.
“Kilifi people have for long aspired to see change in leadership, a leadership full of prudence and hope but their hope seems dimmed as I today want to make it clear that I will not be in the race because I failed to get clearance by IEBC,” said Katana.
The Pwani University lecturer said he has never been a member of vibrant party of Kenya and he was shocked when he received the news.
“I was informed by the IEBC of the incongruity and started the process to de-register myself from vibrant party on May 16th,” said Prof. Kazungu.
“My running mate Duncan Nyale went to the party headquarters and we wrote to the office of registrar of political parties but unfortunately I was de-registered from both parties and by Thursday I was trying to re-register in Wiper but in vain as the system was down,” added Katana.
According to the IEBC records, his running mate in Vibrant party of Kenya is Alphonce Mbura.
“I put the blame on political influence and my party which did not act promptly. The registrar of political parties could also have found other means of sorting the matter because it’s their system,” he said.
In Kilifi county four candidates have been cleared for the governor seat.
Amason Kingi of ODM, Kazungu Kambi of Kadu Asili, Gideon Munga’aro (Jubilee) and Benjamin Dadu (Amani National Congress).
Katana said he will soon advice his supporters on whom to support among the four.
