With only 100 days left to the General Election on August 9, the Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu has confirmed that the Presidential race is more crowded than the media has reported.
Speaking in an interview with a local media outlet on Sunday, May 1, Nderitu announced that a total of 38 contenders had applied and had been cleared to join the race as independents.
She explained that the individuals, who will contest alongside party nominees including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto, had received certificates qualifying them as independent candidates.
"I may not have the names but as of today morning, about 38 of them. We do not know if they are all serious or it is a question of trial and error.
"Provided somebody meets the basic requirements of applications, then you give them the clearance," stated Nderitu.
The applicants, however, will need to be cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), through Chairman Wafula Chebukati who is the returning officer for the presidential election.
According to the Constitution, an individual qualifies as a Presidential contender by possessing a valid Kenyan identification card and meets the same requirements needed for one to become a Member of Parliament.
The act also provides that an individual must be nominated by not fewer than two thousand voters from at least 24 counties each.
The IEBC also demands that all aspirants must possess a degree from a recognised University and must not be a public officer or acting in any State of public office other than, President, Deputy President or Member of Parliament.
"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. The address, including the physical address of the office, must be communicated to the Commission," demands IEBC.
The race to the State House has, over the recent months, been gathering steam with the Mt Kenya region believed to be the decisive vote for the Presidency.
Apart from Raila and Ruto other prominent party nominees include Jimi Wanjigi of the Safina Party, Mwangi Wa Iria of the Usawa Party, and Roots presidential candidate Prof George Wajackoyah.
