With barely 90 days to the General elections, Kenya has this year, since the 1996 first ever multiparty general elections presented the largest number of Presidential candidates.
The elections as per the constitution should be placed on the 2ND Tuesday of August every fifth year and this election year that happens to be on 9th August.
The registrar, Ann Nderitu, on May 2, submitted the list of names to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for the final clearance, in line with the election timelines
The list with a number totaling to 55 presidential hopefuls consists of 9 who have been endorsed by political parties and 46 independent candidates.
The nine are: Raila Omolo Odinga (Azimio la Umoja Alliance Coalition Party) who will be running his fifth presidential bid, Deputy president William Ruto (United Democratic Alliance), Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria (Usawa Kwa Wote), Prof. George Wajackoyah (Roots Party), perennial contestant Dr. Ekuru Aukot (Third way Alliance), David Mwaure Waihiga (Agano Party), Jimi Wanjigi (Safina Party) and Japheth Kaluyu (Unified Change Party)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
In the case that all the fifty-five candidates and their running mates are cleared to run for elections, they will be accorded round the clock security.
Officers will be assigned to protect them, their families, homes and offices from the day of clearance up to the election day.
Should any of the candidates or their running mates meet their demise prior the elections, the set election will be scrapped off and the election postponed to a further 60 days, that is to the 9th of October.
IMAGE/COURTESY: Ballot boxes before an election.
This huge number has stirred up mixed reactions with a political analyst in Nairobi saying, “This shows Kenyan democracy Kenyan Democracy us growing, any qualified can vie for any position.
Members of the public feel that the huge number of candidates is a costly affair that may bring division among votes and the people at large.
Radio 254 has obtained a list of the candidates,
The 55 presidential hopefuls will present their nomination papers to Chebukati from Sunday 29th May to Monday 6th June.
Opinion
We as a country are still healing from the traumatizing effects of post election violence. We have first hand experience what might occur as a result of political division.
Here at Radio 254, we continue to be advocates for peaceful elections, the roadmap to preserving democracy and building a better economy for the country is through peaceful elections.
WE DESERVE BETTER AS A COUNTRY.
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