Thirdway Alliance Candidate Ekuru Aukot Makes U-Turn

Thirdway Alliance Presidential Candidate Ekuru Aukot has dropped his move to oppose the inclusion of other candidates in the repeat poll. 

Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on Saturday, Aukot stated that he was satisfied with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's (IEBC) preparations and was ready for the October elections.

Aukot noted that he had made the decision for the sake of the country, after realizing that opposing other candidates would create a political quagmire he did not wish upon Kenya.

He further stated that the repeat polls would continue with or without NASA leader Raila Odinga who had withdrawn from the race earlier.

[caption caption="Ekuru Aukot with his lawyer Elias Mutuma"][/caption]

"The fresh election cannot be predicated on the decision of one candidate. If one candidate chooses to withdraw, Kenya cannot come to a standstill," Dr Aukot told journalists following repeated comments by Mr Odinga that there will be no election after he withdrew.

"Politicians in this country have a false sense of self-entitlement that the country cannot continue if they are not there," he added.

On Wednesday, the electoral body gazetted additional names of candidates for the repeat presidential elections slated for October 26.

Aukot faulted the IEBC's decision on Friday, terming the move 'a fishing expedition'.

He insisted that with Odinga’s  withdrawal from the election, the only contenders in the presidential election should be President Kenyatta and himself (Aukot).

[caption caption="Alliance for Real Change candidate Abduba Dida who has confirmed his participation in the October 26th election"][/caption]

On Saturday, Aukot's Lawyer Eric Mutuma told Kenyans.co.ke that Aukot was firmly in the race, dismissing earlier rumors that the presidential candidate had decided to quit.