The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has disqualified at least 11 presidential hopefuls from vying for the country’s top office.
At least 58 presidential aspirants had submitted their names to run for the top seat on August 9, General Election.
However, speaking on Monday, May 23, at the Bomas of Kenya during a meeting with presidential aspirants and their representatives, IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati said the 11 who were disqualified failed to meet the May 16 deadline to submit the names of their running mates.
Chebukati noted that the 11 did not explain to the commission why they had failed to meet the deadline or whether they were still interested in the contest.
Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, and Jirani Mzalendo party’s Lengala David William.
The duo had submitted their names to the IEBC to give 2022 presidential front runners William Ruto and Raila Odinga a run for their money before they joined the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
Others who were knocked out of the August 9, presidential race include Ndekerere Joseph Kundu, Katoni Benjamin Kevin Ndambuki, Nyagoko Jacob Oanda, Aoko Benard Ongir, Odhiambo Kevin Onyango, Ngechu Moses Gichuki, Mbugua Benson Mwaura, and Kihuha Esther Waringa all who were seeking the seat as independent candidates.
Chebukati further noted the Commission was now moving on to the next step, which is the vetting of documents presented by the aspirants for clearance.
He stated that upon verification of the documents presented by the aspirants, a decision will be made on whether they will be on the ballot or not adding that all the aspirants must fulfill the requirements of the law.
“All aspirants are required to comply with the law and anybody who shall not have fulfilled all the requirements by Wednesday, May 25, we’re sorry we will not clear them because we are working under very strict timelines,” Chebukati said.
