IEBC gives Kalonzo ultimatum in last-minute rush to be on ballot
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has until Sunday, May 29, to submit requisite documents or risk being locked out of the August presidential contest.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said yesterday that the aspirant had not submitted 2,000 signatures from at least 24 counties in the required format.
In a letter addressed to Agatha Solitei, Wiper's National Elections Board Chairperson, the Commission said the party was required to submit a copy of the signatures in Excel format and not PDF.
Kalonzo now has up to 9:00 am today to comply with IEBC requirements for him to be cleared to vie.
The deadline for submitting the list of supporters for candidates seeking to participate in the August 9 polls was Monday, May 30.
However, it was later changed to Wednesday, May 25 after a request by the aspirants at a meeting with IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati at Bomas on Monday.
"However, by the said deadline date your party had submitted all requirements save the soft copy version of your list of supporters which was submitted in PDF format and not excel," Chebukati. said.
"The Commission has considered and acceded to your request to be allowed to submit the soft copy of your list of supporters in excel format by 29th May 2022 at 9:00 am at the Bomas of Kenya, failing which your documentation will not be certified as compliant."
The Commission is today holding a pre-candidate registration meeting for presidential aspirants hosted by the National Returning officer for the presidential election and Chairman of @IEBCKenya Wafula Chebukati at the @Bomasofkenya #GE2022 pic.twitter.com/pyi3WKjU25— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) May 23, 2022
Kalonzo is among the late entrants in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta. He announced his presidential bid on May 16 after missing out on the running mate slot under the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition political party.
The former Vice Presidesident named Andrew Leteipa Sunkuli as his running mate after Raila Odinga settled on Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua as his deputy.
Kalonzo missing on IEBC shortlist
The Wiper boss' name was conspicuously missing in a list of 16 candidates shortlisted for the presidency by IEBC.
Raila and Deputy President William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, who are touted as front runners in the contest, were on the list.
Of those shortlisted, eight are vying on political parties' tickets while the other eight are seeking to run as independent candidates.
Those sponsored by parties include 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).
The independent aspirants are 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.
