Elections are never short of drama and in neighbouring Rwanda, a candidate who wants to take on President Paul Kagame is already providing the comic relief.
Forget Diane Rwigara the belle whose nude pictures leaked shortly after declaring her intention to take on Kagame. Fred Barafinda Sekikubo with his signature oversized suits, dark shades and briefcase believes he can unseat Rwanda’s strongman Kagame in the August elections.
In fact Sekikubo who considers himself an intellectual though his actions fall short made a failed attempt at registering as a presidential candidate during the nominations in Kigali on Monday.
Sekibuko appeared before Rwanda’s National Electoral Commission with a briefcase full of papers – except the vitals ones. He couldn’t show proof of identity as he wasn’t in possession of a national identification card.
According to The New Times of Rwanda, Sekikubo submitted his papers as a candidate for the Rwanda Revolutionary Union Democratic Advancers (RRUDA) party, only that the party is not registered in the country.
Just like Uganda, Rwanda allows a candidate to stand on an Independent ticket, but Sekikubo chose a non-existent party.
He explained to reporters that he had gone to register in a rush, so he didn’t carry some of the papers but he would soon return with all the necessary documents.
Meanwhile Sekikubo has already caused a debate on social media with many claiming he is a Ugandan who was ferried from Masaka by Kagame in order to be able to have some “competition” in the race. Kagame won the last election with 93 per cent of the vote.
It was supposed to be Kagame’s last term in office but like most African leaders who dread leaving power, he was “requested” following a 2015 referendum to continue his good governance of the country. However, on accepting to contest in these elections, Kagame warned Rwandans to start looking for his replacement because he will not be president forever.
At least with the likes of Sekikubo contesting against him, he is assured of ruling Rwanda for another seven years.