IEBC Clears Ruto to Vie for President on August 9th

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared Deputy President William Ruto and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua to vie for the presidency in the August 9th general elections.

Ruto, who is seeking the presidency on a UDA party ticket, was presented with a clearance certificate and a sample ballot paper at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi by IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati on Saturday.

He presented Pauline Waithera, a mama mboga from Kiambu, as the proposer of his presidential candidature seconded by boda boda rider Calvince Okoth from Kangemi, Nairobi.

Speaking after his clearance, Ruto reaffirmed his confidence in the capacity of the electoral commission to conduct the upcoming elections and pledged to work closely with IEBC to ensure the election is free and fair.

“I want to commit that my team in Kenya Kwanza and I will work with you diligently so that we can have free, fair, credible, and democratic, and verifiable elections. Anytime you need our cooperation or in any way our support, Mr. Chairman I want to tell you we are available,” said Ruto.

“We are committed to the code of conduct that we have signed to keep this election above board, we are confident in your stewardship and IEBC in the election 2022.”

He also called on his supporters to do everything they can to protect the forthcoming election from “violence and unnecessary sideshows”, exuding confidence that the Kenya Kwanza Alliance will emerge victorious.

“Today is defining moment for those of us who believe that this country deserves better than it is getting, for those who believe every Kenyan should have an opportunity, that every Kenyan and their dreams should come true,” said Ruto.