The party primaries in both Jubilee Party and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) saw a number of political heavyweights being defeated and some of the losers vowing to be on the ballot paper as independent candidates.
Among those who plan to vie as independent candidates are Kirinyaga Governor Joseph Ndathi who was beaten by former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru but disputed the results.
Others are Funyula MP Paul Otuoma, who competed against Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu and West Mugirango MP James Gesami.
Kenyans.co.ke has delved into some of the requirements needed for one to vie as an independent candidate.
The Constitution allows those wishing to vie for elective seats without being affiliated to any political party to run as independent candidates.
For purposes of the August 8 General election, independent candidates must have symbols, a letter of intent to vie and seek clearance from the registrar of political parties (to show they do not belong to any political party), by May 4.
Further, an independent candidate has to submit to the IEBC, a soft and a hard copy of a list of a number of supporters, depending on the elective seat.
This list will be submitted to the polls body on the date set aside for nomination for that election, being between May 28 and June 2.
The candidate will also submit to the Commission, a nomination paper which shall; contain the candidate’s name as it appears in the register of voters, be signed by the candidate, proposer and seconder who shall be voters registered in the respective electoral area, who shall not be members of any political party.
An independent candidate is also required to establish and maintain a functioning office in the respective electoral area where the candidate is contesting, which must be available for inspection by the Commission at least 45 days before the elections.
