IEBC Bars Turkana ODM Governor Aspirant Over Pending Degree Case
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has declined to clear Loima MP Jeremiah Lomurkai to contest the Turkana governor seat, citing an unresolved court case regarding the authenticity of his academic qualifications. Lomurkai, who is seeking to succeed Governor Josphat Nanok on an ODM party ticket, was turned away on Tuesday during the final day of candidate clearance for the 2022 General Election.
According to Turkana County Returning Officer Amos Obonyo, the MP could not be cleared because his degree certificate is the subject of an ongoing legal dispute. The case, which has not yet been determined, was flagged during the verification process for gubernatorial aspirants. Obonyo said the commission has already cleared three other contenders: MP John Lodepe (UDA), former Petroleum and Mining CS John Munyes (Jubilee), and Joseph Atol (Badiliko Party). A total of nine Senate aspirants and five women representative aspirants have also been cleared.
Obonyo explained that although the clearance window officially ran from May 9 to June 7, the commission is obligated to act according to any forthcoming court orders. If the court makes a determination beyond the gazetted timelines, we will be advised accordingly, he said. The IEBC has been processing hundreds of applications across Turkana ahead of the August polls, ensuring compliance with constitutional and electoral requirements.
The decision now places Lomurkai’s political future in the hands of the courts. Should the case be resolved in his favour, he could still be allowed to contest through a judicial waiver. However, if the court upholds the petition questioning his credentials, ODM may be forced to restructure its strategy in the county. The IEBC is expected to issue further guidance pending the court’s ruling, which could influence the final ballot line-up in Turkana’s fiercely contested gubernatorial race.