Four candidates were by yesterday’s deadline cleared to contest the presidency by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Deputy President William Ruto of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua, ODM leader Raila Odinga whose running mate is Martha Karua, controversial lawyer George Wajackoyah and running mate Justina Wangui (Roots Party and Mwaure Waihiga (Agano Party).

Ruto and Raila remain the leading contenders in the election scheduled for August 9.

Fifth trial

While Ruto will be giving the presidency his first stab, Raila will be making his fifth trial after having contested in 1997, 2007, 2013 and 2017.

With the clearance of the four candidates, , the electoral agency has paved the way for a two-month campaign blitz that will culminate in a national vote on August 9.

Comedian Walter Monga’re of Umoja Summit party’s nomination was revoked.