Who Owns Africa has obtained the complete list of all the independent presidential candidates for the 2022 9th August Kenya elections. The list includes both men and women from all walks of life, ranging from well-known politicians to community activists. All of the candidates are committed to representing the interests of the Kenyan people and fighting for a better future for the country.
The Kenyan people have a difficult decision to make in the upcoming election, but with Who Owns Africa’s complete list of candidates, they will be able to make an informed choice. These candidates offer a variety of solutions to the challenges facing Kenya, and it is up to the Kenyan people to decide which one they believe will be best for the country.
Among the most notable candidates are former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is seeking his fourth presidential bid; Deputy President William Ruto, who is widely seen as the front-runner; and veteran politician and opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka all seeking to become the successor of President Uhuru Kenyatta whose two terms are coming to an end.
The outcome of the election is impossible to predict at this stage, but one thing is for sure: it is sure to be a heated and closely fought contest.
On Monday 2 May 2022, the registrar submitted the list of names to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the final clearance, in line with election timelines. This follows the sale of tenders for the ballot papers which closed on Friday, and the confirmation of the appointment of the Printing Firm by the IEBC.
Kenya’s electoral system features a number of independent aspirants who have met the requirements set forth by the electoral body. These individuals are not affiliated with any registered political party, and instead are running for office on their own. This type of candidate has become increasingly popular in recent years, as Kenyan voters seem to be more receptive to independent candidates who they perceive as being free from the influence of party politics.
They all applied online. If they are cleared by the IEBC to contest, they will be the largest number of presidential contenders on the ballot since Kenya’s multi-party elections in 1992. The move could test the limits of the country’s democracy and support for the multi-party system. It also could create a political headache for the IEBC, which is tasked with ensuring a free and fair election.
According to the registrar of political parties, Ann Nderitu, the upsurge in the number of independent aspirants for the presidency and other leadership positions in Kenya’s upcoming elections “is mostly because of awareness as compared to previous polls”.
Nderitu attributed the increase in independent candidates to a greater awareness of the possibility of standing for office without being affiliated to a political party. She said that in previous elections, many people were not aware that they could run as independents, and so the majority of candidates were linked to a political party.
The registrar’s comments come as Kenya prepares for its first ever presidential election where there are more than 20 independent candidates vying for the top job.
What are your qualifications?
In order to be cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as an independent presidential candidate in Kenya, an individual must meet certain qualifications.
- A clearance certificate from the registrar of political parties certifying that the person was not a member of any political party for the last three months before the elections.
- At least 2,000 supporters from each of the majority of the counties in Kenya.
- A symbol the candidate intends to use during the election, which has been approved by the commission 21 days before nomination day.
- Establish and maintain a functioning office
- Sixth, the individual must not be bankrupt.
Finally, the individual must meet the requirements for presidential candidates as set out in the Kenyan Constitution.
Who are the aspirants?
Among the notable hopefuls is a US-based professor, Japheth Kaluyu. He was one of the three 2017 independent presidential candidates and finished in fifth place.
Another notable independent aspirant is 44-year-old Jeremiah John Mwaniki Nyaga, son of the late Joe Nyaga (a former minister).
“Let Kenyans be spoiled with a wide range of candidates to choose from because Kenya has no limitation [on] competent leaders,” Nyaga said when announcing his presidential bid in March.
The full list of all 47 independent presidential candidates
- Kinyanjui Edward Njenga
- Otieno Duncan Oduor
- Irungu James Kamau
- Jeremiah Nixon Kukubo
- Aoko Benard Ongir
- Munga David Chome
- Kariara Eliud Muthiora
- Ouma Pigbin Odimwengu
- Wanyanga Geoffrey Ndungu
- Awuonda Brian Oluoch
- Kihuha Esther Waringa
- Ngigi Faith Wairimu
- Kingori Patrick Kariuki
- Nyaga Jeremiah John Mwaniki
- Ng’ang’a Gibson Ngaruiya
- Katoni Benjamin Kevin Ndambuki
- Odhiambo Kevin Onyango
- Lichete Reuben Kigame
- Kanya Joe Stanley Kamau.B
- Githii David Muhia
- Kathae Peter Ndonga
- Mbugua Benson Mwaura
- Mwarania Paul Muriungi
- Nyagoko Jacob Oanda
- Wanjigi Harrison Njoroge
- Nzano Jared Chula
- Ngechu Moses Gichuki
- Gichira Ptah Solomuzi
- Nyangori Dorothy Kemunto
- Ng’ani Victor Obote
- Mukenda Jeremiah Simiyu
- Kamau George Munyottah
- Masira Erastus Nyamera
- Oganga Stephen Owoko
- Obunga Bernard Neto
- Kiprono Felix
- Nzamalu Samuel Mwangangi
- Mbugua Zablon Karanja
- Koue Grita Muthoni
- Kagumba Samuel Kiambati
- Ojijo Ogillo Mark Pascal
- Waweru Joseph Mbugua
- Munyeki June Juliet
- Begum Nazlin
Opening competition
Kevin Kegoli, a political analyst in Nairobi, says the increase in independent presidential aspirants shows how the democratic space in Kenya has opened up since the 2010 constitution was adopted. “This shows Kenyan democracy is growing. Any qualified Kenyan can vie for any position,” he tells The Africa Report.
However, Kegoli says he sees no possibility of the independent candidates beating the big two political heavyweights: Azimio la Umoja candidate Raila Odinga and Kenya Kwanza’s William Ruto. “They can’t beat [Raila] Odinga or [William] Ruto, that is clear,” said Kegoli.
What are the political parties saying?
The Kenyan electoral commission has received a total of 7,111 applications from Kenyans who wish to run as independent candidates in the upcoming elections. This is in addition to the presidential aspirants who have already declared their candidacy.
The independent candidates are seeking to run for various elective positions, such as governors, senators and members of parliament. This large number of independent candidates is a testament to the desire of the Kenyan people to have their voices heard in the political process. It is hopeful that these candidates will be able to bring about positive change in Kenya, whether they are elected or not.
We will not allow independent candidates to eat into our support base.
Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party are all intent on defeating independent candidates.
“We will not allow independent candidates to eat into our support base,” says Jeremiah Kioni, secretary-general of the Jubilee Party.