Meru Woman Rep Kawira Mwangaza has expressed immense excitement following a High Court directive that the degree requirement for aspiring Members of Parliament in the August elections be suspended until a suit challenging it is heard and determined.
In his ruling, Justice Antony Mrima directed that as long as they meet the other requirements, aspirants for the position of MP should be cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
This follows a case filed by MCAs, Sheria Mtaani and others seeking an order suspending the application and implementation of section 22 of the Elections Act.
The IEBC had however asked the High Court to throw out all petitions challenging the law demanding all aspirants in the upcoming 2022 General Election to have a university degree.
In her response, Kawira Mwangaza, an aspirant in the Meru Gubernatorial race has termed the High Court directive an answered prayer and God’s blessing to all contestants.
“Wale ambao walitaka kuwa MPs bila degree wajitokeze. Mungu amewakumbuka!” says Kawira. (To all the aspirants without University degrees, God has finally remembered you)
Kawira has severally engaged in a heated war of words with Kiraitu Murungi over her academic credentials, with the Meru Governor insisting that Kawira has no valid degree.
Kiraitu’s claims emerged immediately Kawira declared her interest in the Meru Gubernatorial seat, expressing confidence that the Meru Woman Representative would not be cleared by the IEBC to contest.
Kiraitu challenged Kawira to show evidence that she graduated from a recognized institution within or outside Kenya.
“I highly doubt if she (Kawira Mwangaza) will be at the ballot box. She has no valid degree. From which University did she graduate? Who were her classmates? Can she show us her name on the graduation list? She did not have a degree in 2017. How did she acquire three degrees in 3 years?” Kiraitu posed last year.
In a quick rejoinder, Kawira said she was pursing her third degree, and that Mr. Kiraitu should be prepared for a bruising battle in the 2022 polls.
“Tell him that Kawira is on her third degree. Not one. I am fully prepared to meet the crocodile. I will present my academic credentials when that time comes. Kiraitu thinks that learned people walk and talk in a certain style,” said Kawira Mwangaza.
And today, Kawira says everyone should be given a chance to seek leadership positions, since ‘leadership is not about academic papers.’
“Education is the key. Make every effort to get quality education. However, leadership is not about papers. Leadership is all about others,” Kawira says.
In 2017, only the President, Deputy President, Governors and Deputy Governors were required to hold university degrees as a prerequisite to be cleared to run for office.
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