Kenya: William Ruto To Run For The Presidency In August Polls

 The electoral commission on Saturday cleared Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua to run for the presidency in the August polls. 

Ruto addressed the press after being cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest in the upcoming polls. IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati confirmed that Ruto met all the requirements set by the commission to run for the presidency. Ruto also urged IEBC to ensure the election is free and fair. 

William Ruto appoints Kithure Kindiki as Chief agent

William Ruto will be contesting the upcoming election under the banner of Kenya Kwanza. Ruto also said at the press conference, “Kenya Kwanza has confidence in IEBC.” 

Subsequently, Ruto appointed Tharaka Nithi Senator, Kithure Kindiki, as his chief agent in the August 9 presidential vote. Kindiki will be assisted by UDA Secretary-General Veronica Maina and Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok. 

Kindiki will be the liaison person between Kenya Kwanza and the IEBC. He will also be responsible for verifying Ruto's votes during the election. Kindiki is a successful Kenyan politician and a lawyer. 

Elections in Kenya

The upcoming elections will take place for the president, members of parliament, governors, and members of local assemblies. It will take place on August 9, 2022. 

Election-related violence in Kenya often takes the form of inter-communal violence. Kenya’s past polls have seen high levels of inter-communal violence. Communal violence erupts in connection with elections. There is also a risk of violence in the upcoming elections. 

2007 election

In 2007, many people were killed and more than 600,000 were displaced in the election’s violent aftermath. Widespread protests started throughout the country questioning the outcome of the final result. It caused over a thousand fatalities and led to a national crisis. It was resolved through a coalition government and constitutional reform.