Former Kisauni MP Ananiah Mwaboza's suggestion that the degree threshold for parliamentary aspirants should have been retained has sparked varied reactions from Mombasa rivals.

Speaking at the launch of his bid for the Kisauni parliamentary seat at the weekend, Mwaboza said the bar for parliamentary aspirants should be raised to include a minimum of a degree certificate so as to raise the dignity of the House.

MPs ganged up in the House to lower academic qualifications requirements for the legislator's position mid last year. The move generated heavy criticism from many quarters, including the civil society.

Yesterday, some aspirants accused Mwaboza of trying to unfairly sway voters' opinion by re-introducing the issue.

"He knows almost all the nine aspirants in Kisauni except him don't have degrees. That is why he is trying to bring the excuse. This is a race for people who will deliver against those who can't," said Kisauni aspirant Amina Abdalla's handlers.

Nyali aspirant Hezron Awiti and his Kisauni counterpart Fahad Kassim said academic certificates should be the main measure of one's leadership abilities. "Parliament has passed the issue. He should wait until the next Parliament to raise the issue again," said Awiti.