[Presidential candidate Joseph Nyagah. His bid as received a key boost following the withdrawal of Pete Ondeng from the race in favour of him. Courtesy: The Standard]
Presidential candidate Pete Ondeng has withdrawn from the presidential race, claiming that the field is crowded.
Eighteen candidates have so far expressed interest in the presidency during the forthcoming general elections.
It is the highest number of presidential candidates ever recorded in Kenyan history.
Ondeng announced his withdrawal from the race on Monday, endorsing former Cabinet Minister Joseph Nyagah for the country's top seat.
“I did not join the race for personal interests… I entered the race because I wanted to see change,” he noted.
“Nyaga represents a thinking that is free of tribe... He stood his ground when the country was burning in 2007,” he added.
Ondeng announced his candidature for presidency on May 2, and was set to vie on the Restore and Build Kenya (RBK) Party ticket.
He has since offered to be Nyagah's strategy and policy adviser.
Nyagah, former aide to President Uhuru Kenyatta will be vying as and independent candidate.