Registrar of Political Parties (RPP) Anne Nderitu now says 47 Kenyans have been cleared to run for the presidential seat in the August 9 general election as independent candidates.

If cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the number of presidential candidates might be the highest ever recorded in Kenyan history.

The independent candidates will face leading contenders Deputy President William Ruto, Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance’s Raila Odinga, and Safina Party flagbearer Jimi Wanjigi.

Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria has also declared interest in the top seat.

Registrar clears 7,111 independent candidates

According to Nderitu, 7,111 individuals are seeking to run as independent candidates for various elective seats across the country.

Of these, 104 are those seeking governor seats, 141 (Senate), 110 (Woman Rep), 944 (MPs), and 5, 765 (MCAs).

Nderitu said many of those seeking to run as independent candidates did not participate in party primaries held two weeks ago.

She said most of the people seeking an independent ticket did not participate in party nominations.

“The increase is mostly because of awareness as compared to previous polls. A majority of them did not participate in the party primaries; they started applying before the primaries,” Nderitu said.