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Kenya: Raila Odinga and William Ruto’s presidential candidacies approved

Two months before the general elections are held in Kenya, political tensions are rising a notch. This is when presidential candidates seek approval from the Independent Electoral and Conscription Commission (IEBC). Done since this weekend.

The presidential candidate of the UDA, at the same time vice-president of the Republic, William Ruto, was approved this Saturday, June 4 to stand in the elections of August by the Kenyan Electoral Commission.

Electoral Commission Chief Wafula Chebukati made the announcement this Saturday, June 4, in the Bomas of Kenya hall after Ruto and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua presented their letters seeking approval to the Electoral Commission.

In his message, Vice President William Ruto thanked the IEBC for its role in ensuring that Kenyans hold credible elections and urged them to remain honest in carrying out their duties.

“I am delighted to receive a certificate that will allow me and my deputy to participate in the August elections. We are confident that we will work hard with you,” he said.

This Sunday, it was the turn of Raila Odinga and his deputy Martha Karua to present their letters of request for approval to the Kenyan Electoral Commission, the IEBC.

And Raila Odinga received his certificate of endorsement of his presidential candidacy from IEBC President, Wafula Chebukati, in the Bomas of Kenya hall this Sunday, June 5.

Speaking after the exercise, Odinga called on the electoral body to discharge its role in a free and fair manner to ensure the credibility of the national elections.

“We are convinced that the Electoral Commission is empowered to organize free and fair elections. Therefore, we would like to urge this institution to hold free elections as Kenyans expect,” the veteran Kenyan politician said.

Odinga also called on Kenyans to conduct themselves peacefully during and after the election period. He also promised to present himself with his supporters in a manner consistent with the requirements of the electoral laws.

Source: IWACU Burundi