Raila is Still in Presidential Race - IEBC Declares

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission on Wednesday announced that the repeat Presidential election will have 8 candidates including Opposition leader Raila Odinga who announced his withdrawal on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Commission stated that Mr Odinga was still in the race despite him withdrawing from the contest since he had only submitted a letter of withdrawal minus the required Form 24A indicating his official decision to quit.

According to the electoral body, the Opposition chief and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka had already been gazetted for the repeat poll and will only be removed after they submit a dully filled form 24A  in accordance with the Elections (General) Regulations.

"We note that the Rt. Honorable Raila Odinga and his running mate sent a letter dated 10th October 2017 indicating that they had decided to withdraw from the fresh presidential election. 

"They, however, have not submitted the statutory Form 24A," IEBC's statement read in part.

[caption caption="File of NASA Leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Raila Odinga"][/caption]

The Commission, however, explained that if the NASA candidates submit the form, the electoral body will proceed and act on it as the law requires.

"Once the commission receives the requisite Notice from any of the candidates, it will process the same in accordance with the requisite provision of the law," IEBC stated.

The Commission assured Kenyans that there will be an election on the 26th of October adding that the country should maintain calm to ensure that the polls are successfully conducted.

Meanwhile, the High Court on Wednesday cleared Thirdway Alliance presidential candidate Dr Ekuru Aukot to vie in the fresh election stating that there was no reason to block him from participating.

Giving the ruling, Justice John Mativo directed the IEBC to amend a gazette notice it had issued on presidential candidates to contest in the repeat election to include Mr Aukot's name.

[caption caption="Dr Ekuru Aukot in court on Wednesday"][/caption]

Following the ruling, Independent Presidential Candidate Japheth Kaluyu announced that he would also run in the repeat poll.

Read Also: Raila Has Not Dropped Presidential Bid - Orengo Reveals