Raila's Team Announces Interviews for Running Mate Contenders

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga uring a meeting with stakeholders in the petroleum industry at the Panafric Hotel on Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga during a meeting with stakeholders in the petroleum industry at the Panafric Hotel on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.
Raila Odinga

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition's Presidential Candidate Raila Odinga's team on Sunday, May 1 announced interviews for aspirants eyeing to become his running mate in the August 9, General Election.

According to a statement issued by the Running Mate Selection Panel Secretary, Elizabeth Meyo, the interviews will be held between May 4 and May 10. 

Meyo added that the interested parties had already submitted their names to the panel for consideration.

"We wish to inform Kenyans that the process of vetting and eventual selection of the most qualified candidate has commenced.

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party council members addressing the media led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at KICC on April 21, 2022.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party council members addressing the media led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at KICC on April 21, 2022.
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All eminent Kenyans being considered for this important position of service will be meeting the selection panel on various days between May 4 and 10," read the statement in part.

Meyo, who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Odinga's campaign board noted that the panel will forward the name of its most suitable candidate to the former Prime Minister by May 10.

"The selection and vetting process shall be finalized by May 10. Thereafter, the successful candidate shall be unveiled to the public by Raila Odinga," the Campaign CEO reiterated. 

In addition, she emphasized that the aspirants needed to meet all the criteria listed by the panel, including the qualifications for running as a deputy president as enshrined in the constitution. They must also demonstrate a  record of public leadership and service.

Other requirements include proper ethical conduct which centres around respect for the people, the nation and the office of the deputy president. Leaders must also demonstrate the integrity of the office.

"Potential candidates must act in a manner that demonstrates the value that nomination is a responsibility to serve the people, rather than the power to rule them," lists the document.

So far, candidates who have been linked to the position of running mate include Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, his Narc Kenya counterpart Martha Karua and Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu.

Former Gatanga Member of Parliament Peter Kenneth and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya are also considered prospective contenders for the position. 

They will be assessed by a seven-member panel comprising Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, Bishop Peter Njenga, Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth, Michael Orwa, former Cabinet Minister Dr Noah Wekesa, Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa and Beatrice Askul Moe.

Both Azimio and the Kenya Kwanza alliance will be working to beat the May 16 deadline for submitting names of presidential candidates and their deputies set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). 

Deputy President William Ruto and the former Premier will be put to task, given that IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati stated that the commission would reject names which did not comply with the two-thirds gender parity rule.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, ODM leader Raila Odinga, and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the Azimio La Umoja Council meeting at KICC on Thursday, April 21, 2022.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, ODM leader Raila Odinga, and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the Azimio La Umoja Council meeting at KICC on Thursday, April 21, 2022.
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