President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition chief Raila Odinga skipped Tuesday's
key pre-nominations meeting with IEBC chiefs.
The commission called the
first face-to-face meeting between Raila and Uhuru since former chairman Issack Hassan's term ended last year.
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But the two giants were nowhere to be seen when the meeting started, raising questions among the other aspirants.
The other 16 presidential candidates, including Ekuro Aukot, Joe Nyagah and Cyrus Jirongo, were present.
It was later
established that the two leaders sent representatives to the meeting presided over by commission chairman Wafula Chebukati.
Presidential candidate Abduba Dida raised concerns, saying he called IEBC's office and was told candidates should appear in person.
"It is presidential candidates who should be here, not representatives," he said.
"I called the office...maybe the person was not informed. If an independent candidate sent a
representative
what would happen?
But Chebukati said there was no problem with candidates sending representatives.
"It is allowed in the law. If the candidates are engaged, we have no problem with representatives."
The meeting clarified legal and operational requirements for nomination of candidates as well as qualifications for each elective position.
The meeting of presidential candidates took place at Lillian Towers, a stone's throw away from IEBC Headquarters at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.
The National Super Alliance and Jubilee Party are already locked in a fierce war over the declaration of presidential results.
On Friday, Uhuru rebuked NASA for threatening to boycott elections if an appeal by IEBC, challenging constituency declaration of presidential results, is successful.
“People should concentrate on looking for votes peacefully instead of threatening the IEBC and the Judiciary. If you believe people will buy your agenda, you do not have to use threats and intimidation,” he said.
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