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Johnson Sakaja and his running mate James Njoroge Muchiri have been cleared to vie in the Nairobi gubernatorial race on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared Sakaja on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, after he fulfilled all requirements demanded by the electoral body.

Speculations about Sakaja

Sakaja’s degree papers have consistently been questioned amid allegations he did not complete his Actuarial Science degree.

According to the constitution of Kenya 2010, one needs to have at least a University degree recognizable in Kenya for them to contest for a gubernatorial seat.

In case the aspirant received the certificate from a body outside Kenya, the Commission for University Education is required to authenticate or equate the certificate to Kenyan standards prior to clearance by IEBC.

There were several claims that Sakaja didn’t complete his Actuarial Science degree at the University of Nairobi and as such did not qualify to vie as governor.

Fraudsters everywhere! ⁦@Tom_Alila⁩ pic.twitter.com/MTeF2U7cn3

— Robert ALAI (@RobertAlai) June 2, 2022

Rumours also had it that the Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant ‘bought’ a fake degree from an institution in neighbouring country.

Sakaja has procured a degree from St Lawrence University in Uganda.

He is on his way to present it. Sad!

— Robert ALAI (@RobertAlai) June 6, 2022

Even before his clearance today, blogger Robert Alai claimed that Sakaja was going to present to IEBC a fake certificate from St Lawrence University.

Now Sakaja is set to present a degree from one Team University in Uganda.

When he attended that college is unknown to anyone. #Awuoro!

— Robert ALAI (@RobertAlai) June 6, 2022

Following his clearance, Sakaja will now face Polycarp Igathe who is vying for Nairobi governor on a Jubilee party ticket under the larger Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party.

Many politicians are finding themselves in a tight corner with regard to their degree certificates which is a key requirement for vying for gubernatorial and presidential positions.

On Monday, June 6, IEBC declined to clear Safina party Presidential aspirant Jimi Wanjigi for failing to provide a degree certificate.