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Mudavadi, 10 others disqualified from presidential race

Tuesday, May 24th, 2022 13:47 | By
Musalia Mudavadi presidential aspirant
ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate William Ruto [PHOTO/COURTESY]

Musalia Mudavadi is among 11 aspirants who have been disqualified from the August presidential contest by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi. PHOTO/File
Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi. PHOTO/File

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati said on Monday that the politicians failed to submit the names of their running mates before the May 16 deadline.

Besides the Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader, the list also features bigshots like the National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, who is also the leader of the Democratic Party, and Jirani Mzalendo party’s Lengala David William.

Mudavadi had submitted his papers

Eight independent presidential hopefuls, including Aoko Benard Ongir, Odhiambo Kevin Onyango, Ndekerere Joseph Kundu, Ngechu Moses Gichuki, Katoni Benjamin Kevin Ndambuki, Mbugua Benson Mwaura, Kihuha Esther Waringa and Nyagoko Jacob Oanda, have also been barred from participating in the August polls.

The IEBC boss spoke during a consultative meeting with presidential aspirants and their representatives at the Bomas of Kenya.

He said Mudavadi and Muturi were on the list because they had earlier submitted their details to the commission before joining the Kenya Kwanza coalition that supports Deputy President William Ruto's State House bid.

Signatures

The remaining aspirants were asked to submit 2,000 signatures from at least 24 counties by close of business Monday as the verification exercise kicks off.

ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi at a past Kenya Kwanza rally.  PHOTO/File
ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi at a past Kenya Kwanza rally. PHOTO/File

“Once the commission finishes the verification of the supporters, where there is a shortfall of signatures in numbers, the aspirants will be given reasonable time to get the remaining signatures," Chebukati said.

“If the deadline lapses before they submit the signatures, they will also be disqualified from contesting."

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati. He has revealed that Mudavadi submitted his papers for the presidential contest. PHOTO/Courtesy
IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati. PHOTO/Courtesy

As of May, at least 55 aspirants had expressed interest in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, with a majority being independents.

The development comes as the race to the State House heats up. Both major camps; Kenya Kwana and Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition party have so far engaged next gears into their campaigns.

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