The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to vie for the presidential seat in the fast-approaching August polls.
The electoral body led by Wafula Chebukati approved his candidature today after he presented his papers at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi.
Ruto will now face Azimio la Umoja- One Kenya coalition presidential aspirant Raila Odinga whose documents will be verified tomorrow ahead of his possible clearance.
In a press conference, Ruto stated that his Kenya Kwanza alliance will stage a mother of all campaign in a bid to woo Kenyans to vote in his favor come August.
“Today marks the start of our serious campaigns which is a step towards shaping Kenya for the better,” Ruto said.
Ruto asked Kenya Kwanza supporters to focus on the imminent win that God will grant them in the August polls.
“We are committed to the code of conduct that we have signed. We are confident with your stewardship of this election. On behalf of Kenya Kwanza, we don’t want to be favored, we want to be treated equally like our competitors,” Ruto said.
Ruto was cleared after fulfilling all the requirements set out by the constitution and the electoral body.
Ruto now becomes a candidate and will from today cease using government vehicles in crisscrossing the country while drumming up support for his State House bid.
He has also abandoned plans to form a parallel voting tally.
During his presentation, Ruto presented certified copies of educational qualification certificates, including a Degree Certificate in accordance with Section 22 of the Elections Act, 2011 and Regulation 47 of Elections (General) Regulations, 2012.
Ruto also presented a copy of a National Identity Card/Valid Passport (the document used by the candidate to register as a voter)
A passport size photograph with a white background was submitted in hard and soft copies.
He also presented a duly signed and dated Code of Conduct (Second Schedule of the Elections Act, 2011)
A duly filled Commission Nomination Form, including:
An original Statutory Declaration Form for purposes of nomination (Regulation 18(3) Elections (General) Regulations, 2012 and an original Self-Declaration Form (Regulation 46 of Elections (General) Regulations, 2012).
For Political Party Candidates and Independent Candidates, an electronic version and the duly filled list of at least 2000 supporters from each of the majority of the counties in the prescribed form, submitted to the Commission.
Nomination fees in a Banker’s Cheque payable to IEBC.