The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Wednesday, May 18, published a list of documents which Azimio flag-bearer Raila Odinga and his Kenya Kwanza counterpart William Ruto must produce for clearance.
In a statement, IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, noted that Raila, Ruto and their respective running mates Martha Karua and Rigathi Gachagua must produce original as well as copies of their degree certificates.
This is in line with the constitutional requirements and also applies to gubernatorial candidates and their running mates.
Notably, aspirants and deputies who obtained degrees from foreign universities will have to present their papers to the Commission for University Education (CUE) for verification and approval.
"Presidential and gubernatorial Aspirants, as well as their deputies who hold degrees from foreign universities, must obtain recognition and equation of their academic qualifications from CUE before registration as candidates," read the statement in part.
In addition, the former Premier and the DP will have to present 2,000 signatures from at least 24 counties. The list of signatures should be accompanied by copies of their identification cards.
Chebukati added that returning officers will oversee the process of registration of aspirants eyeing various elective seats - an exercise that will run from May 29 to June 7.
The officers will also carry out civic education to inform aspirants of the requirements and other electoral procedures. Notably, the commission will convene a meeting with presidential aspirants.
"In this regard, the commission shall hold a pre-nomination meeting with all the presidential aspirants (or their authorized representatives) on May 23, 2022, at the Bomas of Kenya from 8:00 am," read the statement in part.
IEBC disclosed that it has received documents of 55 presidential hopefuls: one from a coalition party, 14 who will run on various party tickets and 40 independent aspirants.
In addition, a total of 244 aspirants will run for the 47 gubernatorial seats in the August 9 poll. Of these 167 will run under political party tickets while 77 will contest as independents.
The electoral commission had initially demanded that aspirants and parties adhere to the two-thirds gender parity rule or risk disqualification. However, the High Court in Nairobi issued a temporary injunction on the execution of the order following a petition filed by lawyer Adrian Kamotho.
