Ruto Defends Kalonzo over Humiliating Raila's Running Mate Interview
Deputy President William Ruto has castigated the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition over its plan to interview Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the presidential running mate post.
Ruto noted that Musyoka being required to appear before a panel appointed to help the coalition’s presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga to pick his running mate ahead of the August 9th elections amounts to humiliation. Through Twitter on Wednesday, the deputy president said Musyoka deserves some dignity and respect.
“Though we are competitors, to subject HE Kalonzo to some humiliating 'interview' is impunity. We must unite to eliminate the culture of political deceit, the hallmark of some politicians,” Ruto tweeted.
He added: “Whatever the circumstances every leader deserves some dignity and respect. Heshima si utumwa.”
His sentiments were echoed by his Kenya Kwanza alliance co-principal Senator Moses Wetang’ula, who accused Odinga of disrespect and humiliation to his long-time allies.
“He is at it again: disrespecting & humiliating his comrades. Now HE Kalonzo is to prostrate himself before Raila loyalists to demonstrate his “suitability” to be a running mate. SKM you deserve better! The outpouring anger is justified,” Wetang’ula wrote.
Musyoka, who shelved his presidential bid in favor of Odinga, has insisted he will not appear before seven-member panel, arguing that he is the most suitable deputy president nominee in the coalition.
"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," Musyoka was quoted by The Standard as saying.
The panel’s secretary Elizabeth Meyo said interviews will begin on Wednesday and the vetting exercise shall be finalized by May 10th, after which Odinga will unveil the successful candidate to the public.
NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, and Governors Ali Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru), Charity Ngilu (Kitui), and Alfred Mutua (Machakos) are among candidates lined up for interview.