IEBC Clears Comedian Walter Nyambane to Vie for the Presidency

Veteran comedian Walter Mong’are Nyambane has become the first aspirant to be cleared to run for the presidency in the August 9th general elections.

Nyambane, who is eyeing the country’s top seat under the Umoja Summit party, was issued with a nomination certificate by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati on Monday after meeting all requirements.

“We have looked at all your documents and you have met all the requirements to vie for the presidency,” Chebukati said while handing over the certificate to Nyambane.

Nyambane, a former actor in the once-popular Redykyulass comedy group, resigned as a Director of Youth Programs in the Presidency and Cabinet Affairs Office in February to pursue his presidential dream.

He previously served as the Communications Director at the Nairobi County Government and the Head of Radio at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

Earlier, IEBC turned away Roots party presidential aspirant George Wajackoyah and his running mate Justina Wamae for failing to submit sufficient supporter signatures.

The electoral commission requires presidential aspirants to submit 2,000 signatures from at least 24 counties, but Wajackoyah failed to meet the threshold after presenting supporter signatures from 17 counties.

"We have looked at the recommendation which you have submitted and you have complied with all the recommendations except the supporters list," Chebukati told Wajackoyah.

Wajackoyah was given up to Thursday to obtain the full signatures before he is officially cleared as an aspirant.