Kenyans were surprised today during the UDA’s presidential aspirants verification and interview process after a 23-year-old lady threw her hat into the ring.
The lady is Tracy Wanjiru, a student at JKUAT University who is pursuing applied bioengineering.
Kenyans had their thoughts about the spectacle with some wondering where she had gotten the Sh 1 million fees that UDA demands from Kenyans contesting to become their presidential nominee.
Others also wondered why a 23-year-old was trying to get the nomination while the constitution states that only a Kenyan over 35 years of age can contest in the presidential elections.
Speaking to Citizen Digital, Tracy said that she applied for the position on February 28, and was suprised to receive a letter inviting her for the interview.
As a person living with disability, she wasn’t required to pay the presidential nomination fee of Ksh.1 million.
What does the constitution say about Kenyans who want to contest the presidential election?
be a Kenyan citizen by birth;
not hold dual citizenship (unless, according to IEBC, the citizenship of the other country has been obtained by operation of law without the capacity to opt-out);
not owe allegiance to a foreign state;
be qualified to stand for election as a member of Parliament;
be a registered voter;
must be a holder of a degree from a university recognized in Kenya;
must be nominated by a political party or stand as an independent candidate.
Must not be a public officer or acting in any State of public office other than, President, Deputy President or Member of Parliament;
Must meet the moral and ethical requirements under the Leadership and Integrity Act;
Must not be an undischarged bankrupt;
Must not be a person of unsound mind;
Must not be subject to a sentence of imprisonment of at least six months from the date of registration of candidates or date of elections;
Must not have been found to have abused or misused state or public office or contravened Chapter Six of the Constitution; and
Must not have been dismissed or removed from public office for contravening the provisions of Articles 75, 76, 77 and 78 of the Constitution
BY MPASHO NEWS
