The Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition has reviewed its steps in searching for an entrant to be Raila Odinga’s running mate in the August 9 polls.
The seven-member committee guiding Mr. Odinga in selecting the best running mate asked aspirants not to show up for interviews as earlier directed and instead have Azimio’s affiliate parties propose aspirants.
“Constituent party members of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance that wishes to nominate any person for consideration as a candidate for the position of Deputy President to submit the name by April 5,” read a statement issued on Wednesday, May 4 by the panel’s chair Dr. Noah Wekesa.
Aspirants considered viable to deputize Raila had been directed to appear before the panel from Wednesday, May 4 to Tuesday, May 10. Elizabeth Meyo, whi is the panel’s secretary, said that the selection and vetting process would end finalized on May 10. After that, Mr. Odinga was to reveal the successful contender to the public.
Members of the Azimio Alliance scheduled to be interviewed were; Narc Party Leader Charity Ngilu, NARC Kenya Party leader Martha Karua, Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, Machakos Alfred Mutua, and former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth.
Wiper Party boss Kalonzo Musyoka refused to attend the running mate vetting process saying it was demeaning as he should have been the obvious pick for the position.
“I want to tell all Kenyans that I will not attend the said process. I find the entire thing demeaning to my person and will therefore distance myself from it,” Kalonzo said.
The wiper leader’s statement drew heated discussions from politicians, with the Kenya Kwanza alliance condemning Azimio’s interviews as a humiliation to Kalonzo.
Presidential candidates have until May 16 to submit their running mates to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).