7 MAY, NAIROBI, KENYA – The Azimio running mate selection committee will meet with candidates shortlisted to deputize the coalition’s flagbearer Raila Odinga on Monday and Tuesday.
Noah Wekesa, the selection committee’s chairperson, disclosed that the panel has already settled on the criteria and procedures for selecting the best candidate.
The topic of who would be best suited to join Odinga on the combined presidential ticket has been a sore point in the coalition, threatening to cause rifts.
“The panel set the criteria and modalities that will be utilized to review the applications that have been received and to pick the best three candidates” at today’s (Saturday) meeting, according to Wekesa.
This was mentioned by Wekesa as he put Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya’s name to the shortlist.
Deputy ODM leader Wycliffe Oparanya and Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui were also added to the list, bringing the total number of candidates to eleven.
“The panel has determined that there were applications filed to the campaign secretariat that were unfortunately not conveyed to the panel because no such communication was anticipated,” Wekesa explained.
As the affiliate parties compete for the seat, the matrix of who will eventually deputize Odinga becomes even more complicated.
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua, and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho are among the seven other leaders shortlisted.
Sabina Chege, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, KANU Chairman Senator Gideon Moi, and former Kenyan Ambassador to Australia Stephen Tarus are among the others.
Musyoka, who is considered one of the frontrunners, stated that he will not face the Azimio seven-member panel that interviews candidates for running partner.
Musyoka, defiant, stated that he would not allow himself to be humiliated by going through the process.
“I would like to inform all Kenyans that I will not be participating in the aforementioned procedure.” “I find the whole thing insulting to my person, therefore I’m going to stay away from that,” he stated.
To fix the imminent running mate situation, Musyoka is advocating for a dialogue between President Uhuru Kenyatta, Azimio presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga, and himself.
“There is nothing preventing me, Uhuru Kenyatta, and Raila Odinga from sitting down and agreeing while this panels continue with their engagements,” he remarked.