The stage is now set for the formal launch of political campaigns after a total of 890 parliamentary candidates were cleared by the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) to run in the December 27 general elections.
The candidates include all those vying for the presidential ticket in addition to those gunning for parliamentary and civic seats. Kenyan law requires anyone contesting to be elected president to be elected as an MP in one of the country’s 210 constituencies.

The main challenge for the ECK now is how best to bind candidates to abide by the electoral code of conduct which among other things carries penalties against parties involved in agitating electoral violence. All candidates have pledged to honour the code.
At least six people have died even before the formal launch of the campaigns and many others been injured as campaigns get underway. The Police Commissioner has issued a stern warning against those engaged in political violence and pledged that the police will take special measures to protect the over 100 women nominated to vie in this year’s elections.