IEBC calls off Gatundu South mini-poll
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has declared there will be no by-election in Gatundu South constituency after Joachim Kamere of the New Democrats Party formally withdrew his candidature.
Mr Kamwere's withdrawal left The National Alliance’s candidate, Moses Kuria, as the sole candidate in the by-election.
Mr Kuria could be declared elected unopposed.
"IEBC has today (Tuesday) resolved that there being no other candidate in the Gatundu South Constituency by-election, except for Mr. Moses Kuria, there will be no by-election on Thursday August 07, 2014.
"In a special meeting held today (Tuesday), the Commission deliberated on the matter, made reference to the relevant provisions of the law and consulted with both internal and external counsel before arriving at this decision," said a statement from IEBC communications manager Tabitha Mutemi
Mr Kamere said he made the move because of his respect for President Uhuru Kenyatta and to avoid antagonising his party — TNA.
Mr Kamere denied claims he was under pressure from some quarters to step down. Sources said he visited State House on Thursday and Friday morning before convening a press conference in Nairobi to announce his decision.
