Ruto arrives for IEBC meeting as Raila, Karua leave for campaigns

Deputy President William Ruto has arrived at Windsor Hotel for the IEBC meeting with presidential candidates.

The DP arrived a few minutes past 11.30 am for the meeting that started at 9 am.

Ruto was accompanied by Tharaka Nithi Senator and United Democratic Alliance chief agent Kithure Kindiki.

He arrived as Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua were leaving to attend to their planned campaign engagements.

Roots Party presidential candidate George Wajackoyah has also left.

In the letter asking the presidential candidates to come for the meeting, IEBC had indicated that they could be accompanied by a delegation of five people each.

Raila is currently being represented by Makau Mutua, Paul Mwangi, Caroline Karugu, Saitabao ole Kanchory, and George Njoroge.

Ruto was a no-show at the beginning of the meeting.

He, however, was represented by Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok and UDA secretary general Veronica Maina.

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati last week called for the meeting to address issues that had been raised by certain aspirants.

"The Commission invites you to a presidential candidates consultative meeting scheduled to be held on Wednesday 29th June 2022 at the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club from 9.00am," the letter read.

Some of the issues to be discussed in the meeting include the printed register of voters, election results path and harmonising of campaign schedules for presidential candidates.

Azimio coalition had on Tuesday requested to conduct its own audit of the voters' register, issuing a new set of demands to the electoral commission.

While expressing doubt about the IEBC’s preparedness to conduct the August 9 election, Raila asked for a certified copy of the voters register.