Eleven presidential aspirants have been knocked out of the race after failing to beat the deadline of presenting their running mates to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commision (IEBC).
IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati on Monday said the ANC party and the Democratic Party are the only outfits that did not make the cut. The other 9 who failed to name their running mates are independent candidates.
This brings down the crowded field of those seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta from 54 down to 43.
At the same time, the commission has extended the deadline for submission of signatures from May 23 to May 25 as it moves to clear presidential candidates ahead of the August 9 polls.
Aspirants are required to submit at least 2,000 signatures from across 24 counties endorsing their candidature.
“Aspirants are expected to comply with the law. In regard to submission of signatures. By 25th, a report will be generated to ensure the process is complete and this period cannot be extended given the strict timelines we have,” said Chebukati.
IEBC will then conduct clearance of presidential aspirants from May 29 to June 6, while May 29 marks the commencement of the official campaign period.
“We are following the Election Act to the latter. As far as we are concerned, elections will begin on the 29th of May, that’s when the official campaign period begins,” he stated.
Kenya Kwanza Alliance presidential flag bearer William Ruto is set to appear before the electoral body on June 4 for clearance while his Azimio counterpart Raila Odinga is scheduled to meet the commission on 5th.