The Wiper Party has assured its supporters that its leader Kalonzo Musyoka is still in the August presidential race contrary to reports that he has been locked out for non-compliance.

The party on Saturday dismissed reports that Kalonzo had been barred from contesting for the top seat in the upcoming General Election because of failure to service the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) with electronic signatures.

“The National Elections Board (NEB) wishes to confirm that we have complied with this requirement as we have ALREADY SUBMITTED the soft copy of our Candidate’s supporters in Excel format today, 28/5/22 which is well within the deadline set by IEBC of 29/5/22,” Wiper said in a statement.

IEBC had on Saturday released a list of 16 shortlisted presidential aspirants who would move to the next phase of nominations that kicks off on Sunday.

Kalonzo, who named Andrew Sunkuli as his running mate, was missing from the list even after submitted his documents to the electoral body, accompanied by signatures of registered voters.

Wiper NEB Chair Agatha Solitei, however, dismissed claims of Kalonzo being locked out of the race as a misrepresentation of facts.

“It is important for the public to know of the misrepresentation of facts by the media that His Excellency Hon Steven Kalonzo Musyoka was not cleared or has been blocked by the IEBC to vie for the position of  President of the Republic of Kenya,” the statement added.

“His Excellency’s documents were presented to IEBC for 33 counties ( against the required 24 Counties) on 25/5/22 on hard and soft copy as specified by the IEBC in their letter of 19/5/22. IEBC upon receiving these documents on the 25th of May,2022 requested us to convert the electronic data which we had submitted to an Excel format on or before the 29th of May 2022. This requirement was further clarified by IEBC vide their letter dated 28th May 2022 which clearly stated that the electronic signatures for the WDM Presidential candidate  should be submitted  by 9.00 am on 29th May 2022.”

The President Uhuru Kenyatta succession race that began with 56 contenders has drastically reduced to 16 aspirants making it to the IEBC shortlist released Saturday.

On the list was Roots party aspirant Prof. George Wajackoyah, David Mwaure Waihiga of Agano party, Jimi Wanjigi of Safina, as well as Thirdway alliance leader Dr. Ekuru Aukot.

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria of Usawa party, Ford Asili’s Njeru Kathangu as well as independent candidates Gibson Ngaruiya Ng’ang’a, Dorothy Kemunto Nyangori, Peter Mubiko King’ori, and Jeremiah Nyaga are on the IEBC list.

Jane Juliet Munyeki, Faith Wairimu Ngigi, Eliud Muthiora, and George Munyotta Kamau were also shortlisted.

In the week-long presidential nomination process ahead, the aspirants will be required to show compliance with Chapter 6 of the Constitution on leadership and integrity, and submit clearance certificates from relevant agencies.