Lobby groups have filed an application in the High Court to bar William Ruto’s running mate Rigathi Gachagua from vying in the Tuesday's general election over proceeds of corruption.

Acomplaint filed by the activists is challenging UDA's Deputy Presidential candidate over his integrity grounds demanding the court to give directive on whether Gachagua is fit and suitable to hold any public office.

The petitioner  cited July's 29, court ruling that ordered the Mathira MP to surrender Ksh.200 million to the State, funds it said he acquired fraudulently.

"That a mandatory injunction be issued to compel the IEBC and the EACC to inquire whether Gachagua meets the moral, ethical, leadership and integrity provisions envisaged under Article 99(2)(b) and chapter six of the constitution to be registered and or gazetted as a candidate for the position of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya,” the documents reads.

Section 6 of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity bars anyone convicted by a court of law of any crime from holding public office. 

Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga has also recently  hit out at Gachagua calling him to withdraw from the race on the same issues.

Raila said Rigathi has failed the integrity test and Kenyans ought to reject him and his party on the day of elections next week.

The applicants, Kenneth Njagi Njiru, Meshach Churchill Suba and Beatrice Kamau are also urging the court to issue orders barring 12 other politicians from contesting in the election.

They include Nairobi gubernatorial candidate Johnson Sakaja (United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Mohamud Ali Mohamed (Marsabit), Onsemus Muthomi Njuki Tharaka-Nithi-UDA), Evans Kidero (Homa Bay- Independent), Ali Korane (Garissa), Dhadho Godana (Tana River), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga-UDA) and Aisha Jumwa (Kilifi-UDA).

Others are MPs John Waluke (Sirisia- Jubilee), Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West- Jubilee), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret- UDA) and Okoth Obado(Migori).

According to the petitioners they are calling on the Chief Justice Martha Koome to appoint a three Judge bench to hear and determine the application.