Panel to Pick Three Nominees for Raila Running Mate Slot

The Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential running mate selection panel will on Monday and Tuesday vet the 11 candidates shortlisted for the position.

The panel’s chairperson Dr. Noah Wekesa said the team has already decided on the criteria and modalities for arriving at the final three candidates whose names will be forwarded to the coalition’s presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga.

Those shortlisted include Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege (Jubilee Party), Martha Karua (NARC Kenya), former presidential aspirant Peter Kenneth (Jubilee Party), Baringo Senator Gideon Moi (KANU), and Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho (ODM).

Others are Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu (NARC), former Kenyan ambassador to Australia Stephen Kipkiyeny Torus (National Liberal Party), Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya (Party of National Unity), Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui (Jubilee), and his Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (ODM).

Musyoka, who is deemed as one of the frontrunners, has insisted he will not allow himself to be humiliated by appearing before the seven-member panel for interviewing. He maintains he is the most suitable running mate candidate for Odinga.

“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,” he said.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has given political parties until May 16th to submit the names of their presidential candidates and their respective running mates.