Independent candidate Patrick King’ori and his running companion Winfred Nyang’au were the first to go before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to gain approval for a presidential bid.
On Sunday, the two appeared before IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati at the commission’s National Tallying Centre in Nairobi’s Bomas of Kenya.
They were found wanting on a number of counts, including Ms. Nyang’au’s failure to produce her certificate of good conduct.
The major stumbling block for them was their list of supporters; only 65 of the required 48,000 were judged to be adequate by the IEBC.
“It’s not yet over, we feel lucky today in as much as we have a few shortcomings regarding incomplete paperwork. We might need to fill up the signatures but it’s doable, we have been given a second chance,” said King’ori.
According to the IEBC’s checklist, candidates seeking clearance have to present their national ID cards, proof of academic qualification, proof of at least 48,000 supporters from 24 counties, and a banker’s cheque of Ksh.200,000.
Women, youth, and persons with disabilities candidates however pay 100,000 shillings.
The rejection list grew, with the second hopeful presenting their papers.
Justus Juma and Ann Wavinya, running on the Justice and Freedom Party, arrived at their allocated time, 3 pm, only to fall due to a technicality; they did not give a softcopy list of supporters.
IEBC has allocated the remaining 14 aspirants appointments between tomorrow, May 30, and June 7 to register as candidates.
The successful candidates will be expected to operate within the rules and regulations contained in the Electoral Code of Conduct during the campaign period.
Once cleared, all the presidential candidates will be provided with state security up until the elections are held.
Roots Party Prof. George Wajackoyah, Walter Mongare of Umoja Summit Party, and independent Dorothy Kemunto are set to face the IEBC on Monday for clearance.
