The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission IEBC has cleared Azimio la Umoja One Kenya flag bearer Raila Odinga has to contest for presidency in the August 9 general elections.

Mr Odinga who was accompanied by his running mate, Martha Karua, on Sunday 6th June 2022, presented their credentials before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati at the Bomas of Kenya before they were handed a certificate.

Just like his fierce competitor Deputy president William Ruto, the former prime minister expressed his confidence in the IEBC towards conducting free and fair elections and pledged that his camp members will conduct themselves appropriately during the election period.

The Azimio Captains were accompanied by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, KANU Chairman Gideon Moi, Charity Ngilu (Kitui Governor), Junnet Mohamed (Suna East MP), Timothy Bosire (ODM Treasurer), Edwin Sifuna (ODM SG), Sabina Chege (Muranga MP), Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o (Governor Kisumu), John Waluke (Sirisia MP), Ann Kananu (Governor Nairobi), Maina Kamanda (nominated MP), Esther Passaris (Nairobi Woman rep) and Governor Nderitu Muriithi (Laikipia). Also in attendance were, Ms Karua's parents Jackson and Josephine.

According to IEBC, the tally now stands at five as Raila joins the other players who are, the Kenya Kwanza flagbearer William Ruto, Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah, Agano Party’s David Mwaure and Walter Mong'are of the Umoja Summit Party.

Of the 12 presidential aspirants that IEBC has so far assessed, no independent hopeful has passed the commission’s hurdle to proceed and join the State House race yet.

Raila and Deputy President William Ruto, who was cleared on Saturday, are now seen as the clear front runners in the succession race.

Odinga and Karua are scheduled to hold a rally at the Undugu Grounds in Langata to drum up support for their bid before leading his alliance to Nakuru County for roadside rallies starting at 2 pm to woo voters to support him to clinch the country’s most respected sit in the August general elections.