Campaigning kicks off in Kenya for August vote

The official campaigns for Kenya’s presidential and general elections kicked off yesterday. Opposition leader Raila Odinga launched his campaign with a march and rally in the capital Nairobi after presenting his nomination papers to the country’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.This is the fourth time Odinga has contested the presidency.Aspiring candidate Peter Solomon Gichira allegedly tried to jump off the sixth floor of the electoral commission’s building after his nomination was rejected, the Standard Digital news website reported.Police arrested the independent candidate and charged him with causing disturbance and destruction of property.Gichira’s bid did not fulfil all the commission’s requirements.No injuries were reported.Gichira’s campaign manager denied the suicide attempt and told local media the candidate was being punished for challenging electoral rules.President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is still in Italy attending the G7 Summit, is expected to present his nomination papers today. At least eight other candidates are vying for the presidency.