It has emerged that the huge number of presidential hopefuls seeking to clinch the country's top seat has seen a drastic drop as many failed to get over the first hurdle in the requirements given by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

With the deadline to submit signatures lapsing on Wednesday, May 25, many were locked out of the race as they failed to bring their 2000 signatures accompanied by the signatories' copies of identity cards, and also failed to achieve endorsement from at least 24 counties.

22 aspirants were axed, with less than 10 aspirants from political parties and an even smaller number of independent aspirants left to carry on in their journey to the ballot.

Those who made it include Kenya Kwanza's candidate, William Ruto, Azimio La\ Umoja's Raila Odinga, David Mwaure of Agano Party, Jimi Wanjigi of Safina Party, Mwangi Wa Iria of Usawa Kwa Wote party and Prof George Wajakoyah of Roots party. 

Another surprising contender who made it on the list is Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, who is still determined to make it on the ballot despite numerous pleas by his allies to abandon the bid and rejoin the Azimio One Kenya Coalition.

Disgruntled aspirants decried the tough task they were put through, as they believed that established political formations had an easy time navigating the requirements while they were left grappling with the burden of getting the signatures. 

 “It is extremely difficult, that’s not an easy assignment…getting two thousand signatures is easier said than done.” Michael Arunga, who is the running mate in the Ford Asili party stated.

Others decried the lack of funds to channel to make the copies of the IDs of the signatories as most of the aspirants lacked the financial might to facilitate the exercise.

"It is a lot of money if you just take it at Ksh.10 per page and then put that together,” Arunga added.

The IEBC is now tasked with the verification of the signatures presented to it in order to match them with the IDs before allowing the aspirants to proceed to the next stage.