Wiper party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, now says his party submitted his nomination application to the advisory panel interviewing candidates for the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition running mate position.
Speaking in Taita Taveta County on Friday, May 6, the former Vice President stated that Shakila Abdalla - the party's Secretary General - submitted his nomination papers to the Noah Wekesa-led panel on Thursday, May 5.
He stated that he maintains respect for the panel, adding that it is comprised of veteran political leaders.
"It is true that my Secretary-General submitted my nomination application to the panel yesterday. I thank Gideon Moi for endorsing my candidature," stated the Wiper party boss.
Previously, Kalonzo insisted that he will not appear before the panel, stating that it would be disrespectful to him.
Nonetheless, the Wiper boss maintained that he would continue calling for dialogue between him, President Uhuru Kenyatta, and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to settle on a suitable running mate for the ODM boss.
"Most people we have met within the campaign trail share the same views as me. The panel has very respectable leaders but there is time we need to have political solutions to some of these problems," Kalonzo stated.
He added his candidature has received endorsement from his former One Kenya Alliance (OKA), partners insisting that he was the best-suited candidate.
Further, he clarified that United Democratic Party (UDP) party leader, Cyrus Jirongo, supported his candidature despite Jirongo stating that he remained neutral on the running mate stalemate.
"UDP and I remain neutral as to who is going to be the running mate to Azimio La Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate. The letter that was presented before the Noah Wekesa Committee by the party Secretary-General does not reflect my views, he has been asked to write a withdrawal," Jirongo stated earlier.
"I have talked to Jirongo this morning. His SG released a statement endorsing me but it appears he did not consult the party leader. We are all one family," Kalonzo clarified.
Other leaders who have been fronted as possible Raila's running mate include Muranga Woman Representative Sabina Chege, former Gatanga Member of Parliament, Peter Kenneth, Narc Kenya party leader, Martha Karua, and outgoing Mombasa Governor, Hassan Ali Joho.
