THE Interim Independent Electoral Commission has denied asking the Speaker to delay the issuance of writs for the South Mugirango parliamentary seat.

The seat fell vacant following the nullification of Omingo Magara's election as MP. Petitioner Manson Nyamweya, who won the case against Magara, yesterday claimed the NEC had written to Speaker Kenneth Marende requesting him to delay the issuance of writs declaring the seat vacant. But the interim electoral body chairman Isaack Hassan dismissed the claims and said: "Who told him that?

The only letter I have written to the Speaker was in response of inquiries made by the Speaker." He said the commission is waiting for Marende's nod so they can conduct the by election. Speaking in Nairobi, Nyamweya claimed a reliable source had informed him the NEC boss wrote. to Marende to request for more time.

He said: "Last week the chairman had said that South Mugirango people need to have a by-election without delay, and now I hear that he has asked the Speaker not to declare the seat vacant through the issuance of the writs." The Speaker has until Friday to issue the writs declaring the seat vacant.

Magara has also lodged an appeal which has bet" certified urgent although the Chief Justice is yet to appoint three judges to hear it.