Mudavadi, Muturi among 11 presidential candidates disqualified by IEBC
Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Lengala David William of the Jirani Mzalendo party were among the eleven politicians disqualified by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from contesting in the August 9 presidential race after they failed to submit the names of their running mates before the May 16 deadline.
Mbugua Benson Mwaura, Kihuha Esther Waringa, Aoko Benard Ongir, Odhiambo Kevin Onyango, Ndekerere Joseph Kundu, Ngechu Moses Gichuki, Katoni Benjamin Kevin Ndambuki and Nyagoko Jacob Oanda are the other eight independent candidates who have been disqualified.
IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati said yesterday during a consultative meeting with presidential aspirants and their representatives that they are working with timelines.
Chebukati stated that Mudavadi and Muturi were disqualified since they had previously submitted their information to the electoral board before endorsing Deputy President William Ruto’s candidacy.
To allow the commission to effectively prepare for the elections, all presidential candidates were expected to submit the names of their running partners by the May 16 deadline.
Chebukati stated that candidates will not be allowed to submit the names of their running mates with less than three months till the election.
“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. If the deadline lapses before they submit the signatures, they will also be disqualified from contesting,” Chebukati explained.
The electoral commission had required presidential candidates to present 2,000 signatures of registered voters who supported their aspirations for the highest position by yesterday.
The signatures required to be accompanied by the supporters’ names, signatures, and a copy of their identification cards or passport numbers.
