The new constitution requires that candidates for presidential and governor positions and their running mates be holders of a degree from a University recognized in Kenya. Wanjiru lists among her eudcation qualifications a Doctor of Theology from Vineyard Harvester Bible College and a Bachelors degree in Christian Leadership from United Graduate College and Seminary International. However, the Commission for Higher Education advised earlier this month that those two institutions are not accredited and therefore degrees awarded from the two institutions are not recognized in Kenya.
When reports surfaced earlier this month that Wanjiru does not meet the education qualification and would thus be ineligible to run for the governor seat in Nairobi, she dismissed the reports and termed them as propaganda being spread by the rivals for the seat to “cause panic” among her supporters. “How can it be that one is called a doctor without a degree? This is propaganda being spread by my rivals but I am not bothered because it simply means they feel I am their biggest threat...Whoever is saying Dr Wanjiru does not have a degree must be joking. They are people who are panicking because they feel mama has taken over the city,” she said at the time.
Parliament last week voted to exempt MPs and Senator candidates from the degree requirement this upcoming elections, but the requirement still applies to candidates for presidential and governor positions
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