• None of the six independent aspirants has been cleared by IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati-led team sitting at the Bomas of Kenya.
• Despite Chebukati giving them second chances, most had difficulties availing all the required documents.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
Inadequate supporters' signatures and uncertified documents are the greatest hurdles presidential aspirants seeking clearance are facing.
Out of nine aspirants, only two have passed the test.
Walter Mong'are of Umoja Summit Party and George Wajackoyah of Roots Party are the only candidates who have been the cleared to start their campaigns.
None of the six independent aspirants has been cleared by IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati-led team sitting at the Bomas of Kenya.
They have failed to comply with stringent requirements.
Despite Chebukati giving them second chances, most had difficulties availing all the required documents.
"You still have not complied with the regulations and obviously you are not ready. You had your time to come back here with everything done but you failed," Chebukati told Julius Kamau, one of the independent candidates whose application he rejected.
"You are still young and you can come back in 2027 and other subsequent years. That is my direction."
Kamau was appearing for the third time but only managed to present 1,500 signatures from the majority of counties and failed to submit a code of conduct signed by a lawyer.
"I have tried my best and resources have been a challenge for us. I request that you give us one more chance," the aspirant begged.
Jeremiah Nyaga also failed to submit sufficient documents.
Upon verification, the commission said he only had a supporters' list from 22 counties of the required 24.
But the aspirant insisted he availed the required number.
His documents, Chebukati said, were yet to be verified by the relevant commission and his running mate was a member of another party.
Dorothy Kemunto, who had been granted another opportunity on Thursday to comply, was forced to bow out of the race for not providing a sufficient list of her supporters, arguing there were only two remaining.
"At this point I have no option but to reject your application over insufficient documentation and as you said, you are still young and you can try next time," Chebukati said.
Agano's David Wahiga was turned way after it emerged he only complied with the list of supporters in 21 counties. He was advised to return on Saturday with all the required documents.
Jane Juliet Munyeki (independent) submitted a supporters' list from only three counties of Isiolo, Kwale and Kilifi counties.
Her running mate failed to have his Form 13 signed as mandated.
Her plea to be given two more days to comply was unsuccessful.
"I have given you enough time. You said you have documents but you have failed again. I therefore reject your application. That is my decision," Chebukati said.
"This is an important national exercise."
Justice and Freedom party aspirant Justus Juma hopes were dashed also on Thursday.
For independent hopeful Gibson Ngaruiya, Chebukati said he only availed supporters' signatures from only two counties out of the required 24.
"You submitted boxes and when we verified we found out that you only complied in two counties," he said.
He also did not present a banker's cheque, his running mate had no degree and only submitted a provisional certificate.
Wiper on Friday wrote to notify the commission that their candidate, Kalonzo Musyoka, has withdrawn from the race.
Some of those who were not cleared dismissed the chairperson for being 'hard' on them.
But Chebukati said they gave them second chances and in instances where they failed to comply, they were rejected.