Why IEBC Locked Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka Out of Presidential Race

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka will not be in the August 9th presidential race after he was disqualified by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Nation reports that Musyoka was locked out of the race on a technicality after failing to meet the stringent requirements for presidential aspirants set by the IEBC, including the submission of at least 48,000 signatures of registered voters from not less than 24 counties endorsing their State House bids.

Reports indicate that Musyoka presented signatures of his supporters in a word document rather than using a spreadsheet, the required format by the electoral commission.

Musyoka announced his bid last week after missing out on the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party presidential running mate slot and named Andrew Sunkuli as his running mate. He went on to submit his documents to IEBC, accompanied by signatures of registered voters.

IEBC has cleared 16 presidential candidates, who will move to the next phase of nominations that will be carried out between May 29th and June 6th. They include eight political/coalition party candidates and seven independents.

The 16 are Raila Odinga (Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party) and Deputy President William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria (Usawa Kwa Wote Party), George Wajackoya (Roots Party), Ekuru Aukot (Thirdway Alliance), Jimi Wanjigi (Safina Party) Njeru Kathangu (Ford Asili) and David Mwaura Wahiga (Agano Party).

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 were also cleared as independent candidates.