NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 5 – Starehe Member of Parliament Margaret Wanjiru has rubbished claims that her University degrees are fake and termed the allegations as mere propaganda.
Speaking during a road show where she launched her bid for the Nairobi governor’s seat in Dandora, Wanjiru stressed that her academic papers are genuine and in order.
“There are those who are saying that I am not qualified to run for this post. Please let them know that we do not want any propaganda. But still it is a good thing since it was an indication that her rivals were panicking,” she stated.
She accused her rivals of mudslinging in a bid to discredit her in the eyes of Nairobi residents.
“Let me say this before you and God is my witness. I have studied and I have the papers to show for it.
Those who are saying that I have not studied and do not have a degree are joking,” she underscored.
Wanjiru is said to have received a Doctor of Theology degree from Vineyard Harvester Bible College in 2003 and in 2010, a bachelor’s degree in Christian Leadership from United Graduate College and Seminary International.
She further pointed out that if elected, youth and women empowerment will be top on her agenda.
“I want to promise Nairobi residents one thing. That all the youth who are unemployed will not be idle again. I will create an enabling environment so that they can be able to support themselves,” she promised.
“For the women, we have to build markets that will accommodate them to sell whatever wares they wish and this will also enable them support their families,” she added.
Bishop Wanjiru’s main rival for the ODM nomination for Nairobi governor is Dr Evans Kidero, former Mumias Sugar company Chief Executive Officer.
Wanjiru will face other candidates who have shown interest in the City’s top job and include former Town Clerk John Gakuo, stockbroker Jimnah Mbaru and Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu. Others are Ex Town Clerk Philip Kisia and Central Business District Chairman Timothy Muriuki.
Last year the IEBC released the qualifications required to contest for county governor, based on the Constitution, the Elections Act 2011, the Political Parties Act 2011, and Elections (General) Regulations 2012.
They specified that candidates must be a Kenyan citizen; must not hold dual citizenship, must be a registered voter, be a holder of a degree from a university recognized in Kenya; and be nominated by a political party or be an independent candidate.
Wanjiru received the degree of Doctor of Theology from Vineyard Harvester Bible College in 2003.
In 2010, she received a bachelor’s degree in Christian Leadership from United Graduate College and Seminary International.
Source:Capital FM
