Deputy President William Ruto and the ODM leader Raila Odinga have been granted more time by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for them to name their preferred running mates ahead of the August polls.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 26, after a consultative meeting with representatives of major political parties, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati revealed that the commission had extended the deadline to May 16.
“The date for submission of aspirants lists for presidential candidates and deputies as well as gubernatorial candidates and deputies will be on 16th of May next month,” Chebukati said.
“Independent candidates who are vying as presidential candidates and Governor candidates will also submit their names on May 16,” Chebukati added.
The IEBC chair revealed that the deadline for submission of names for aspirants for other seats namely; Members of National Assembly, Woman Representative, Senate, and Members of County Assembly remains Thursday, April 28.
“The other dates remain the same, as you submit the names the Commission reminds you to comply with the two-thirds gender rule.” The IEBC chair noted.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had summoned presidential front runners William Ruto and Raila Odinga after they protested the April 28 deadline as earlier set by IEBC.
“We have asked officials leading the presidential teams of all candidates to come to the meeting so that we can agree on this matter,” one of the commissioners told the Star Newspaper.
The Azimio la Umoja spokesperson Makau Mutua called on the IEBC to give the more time saying the timeline for the submission of names should be between May 29 and June 6, 2022.
“The actual timeline for submission of the names of running mates is between Sunday 29th May 2022 to Monday 6th June 2022 when, as per your previous directives, nomination papers shall be delivered by each candidate to yourself as Chairperson of the Commission,” Mutua said in a letter to IEBC.
