Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s 2022 presidential ambition seems to have hit a snag after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) failed to clear him for the top seat.
The wiper party had presented details of Kalonzo Musyoka together with his running mate Andrew Sunkuli together with signatures of those supporting their bid.
But in the list of 16 candidates shortlisted for the presidency by the IEBC, Musyoka’s name is conspicuously missing.
Out of the 16 shortlisted candidates, 8 of them will be vying through political parties while the remaining 8 will be contesting as Independent candidates.
Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga and his Kenya Kwanza alliance counterpart William Ruto are among those shortlisted.
Others being sponsored by political include Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria ( Usawa Kwa Wote Party), George Wajackoyah (Roots Party), Ekuru Aukot (Thirdway Alliance), Jimi Wanjigi (Safina Party) Njeru Kathangu (Ford Asili) and David Mwaura Wahiga (Agano Party).
Those shortlisted as Independents are Gibson Ngaruiya Ng’ang’a, Dorothy Kemunto Nyangori, Peter Mubiko King’ori, Jeremiah Nyaga, Jane Juliet Munyoki, Faith Wairimu Ngigi, Eliud Muthiora Kariara, and George Munyotta Kamau.
The move by IEBC completely puts to rest the presidential ambition of the former vice president until 2027.
After missing out on being picked as Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party presidential running mate, Kalonzo revived his presidential bid by naming his running mate.
The former vice president is now left with the option of supporting the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party presidential candidate or deciding to support William Ruto of the Kenya Kwanza alliance both of who are the frontrunners to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
A section of Wiper party aspirants recently called on Kalonzo to go back to Azimio but through a structured dialogue.
