Independent candidates to submit applications to IEBC by Thursday

Independent candidates have until May 4, 2017 to submit their application forms to contest for political offices to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and allow for processing of their details before the May 8, 2017 deadline.
In a notice published in the local dailies, the electoral body further indicated that the aspirants must obtain clearance from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties that requires the independent candidate not to be a member of any party at least three months to the General Election.

While quoting the Elections Act 2011, Section 32 and 33, the Wafula Chebukati-led commission has further indicated that the aspirants should submit a symbol that does not resemble that of a registered political party before the May 8, 2017.

The commission will thereafter gazette the names and the symbols of the independent candidates by May 13, 2017.

Independent Candidates
Over 1,000 are reported to have submitted applications to the electoral body to run as independent candidates after losing in the parties’ nominations exercise.
Among those who have declared to run as independent candidates is Murang’a Senator, Kembi Gitura, who ditched Jubilee Party a week after he was floored by Kiharu MP, Irungu Kang’ata, in the party primaries.
Kitui Senator David Musila  also resigned as Wiper chairman and will now vie for the gubernatorial seat as an independent candidate.

Musila lost the party ticket to the incumbent, Dr Julius Malombe.
Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set May 10 as the deadline for political parties to submit list of their candidates to contest in the August polls.