The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared the Kenya Kwanza Alliance presidential candidate William Ruto to run for president in the August general election.


IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati announced the approval of Ruto’s application and presented him with the certificate on Saturday morning after he presented himself and his documents at the Bomas of Kenya.

"The application of Williams Samoei Ruto and running mate for to participate in the 9th of August presidential election is approved," Chebukati said.

“I’ll now present you with the certificate of registration, and before that, I would like you to look at the sample ballot paper that we shall use. Confirm the names, your names and the running mate and you sign I’m against your name."

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In a rather interesting twist of events, Ruto who just a few days ago accused the IEBC of expunging voters' names in his strongholds from the voter register said he had confidence in IEBC performing their task.

"Dear Kenyans, I'm delighted this morning, to receive, the certificate that will allow Kenya Kwanza and myself, the participate. With, with my very able deputy in this year’s general election," Ruto said.


“Mr. Chairman, and our returning officer. I want to say in this podium that Kenya, Kwanza has confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. We are confident that you are up to the task. I also want to commit that my team in Kenya Kwanzaa and I will walk with you diligently so that we can have a credible, free, fair, democratic and verifiable election."

Ruto also assured the IEBC chair of Kenya Kwanza’s cooperation, support and availability throughout the electioneering period.

The deputy president also announced the appointment of Kithure Kindiki to the position of Kenya Kwanza Alliance Chief Agent and his assistants Veronica Maina and Josphat Nanok

“I have appointed. Responsible professional, lady and gentlemen, to be our liaison between Kenya Kwanzaa and IEBC. Professor Kithure Kindiki who is here will be our chief agent. Assisted by Veronica Maina and Josphat Nanok. These are the lady and gentlemen who will walk with you. Making sure that the communication, the relationship between us as candidates and the IEBC is useful is helpful,” Ruto said.


Ruto joins the list of presidential candidates that have been cleared to vie for the president’s seat by the IEBC now waiting for the next step to be scrutinised by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODP) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)