Independent Presidential candidate Muthiora Kariara has dismissed reports of nominating his wife as his running mate in the race to State House.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Kariara dispelled the rumours, clarifying that he is not married to his running mate, Miriam Mutua.
The politician noted that the claims are a ploy by his competitors to curtail his dream to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in the August 9 polls.
"Miriam Mutua is a colleague, she is a friend. The rumours are being peddled by my competitors who see me as a threat. The one thing that Miriam and I hold dear is integrity. I can clarify that I have never been married," he stated.
He pointed out that she underwent a fair and transparent vetting process and was singled out as the most suitable candidate.
"Among the 11 candidates, she was the most suitable. Mutua was born in Machakos, schooled in Elgeyo Marakwet and spent her life in Eldoret and hence brings a network to the campaigns," he noted.
The politician, who is vying under the Great Nationhood party, pointed out that the choice of a female deputy was influenced by the desire to change the norm that has seen the male gender dominate the political scene with women being left to the periphery.
"Since independence, we have reduced females to mere spectators as men have held all key positions. As part of being inclusive, we had to balance the scale," he stated.
Revealing the reason for wanting to be next occupant of the House on Hill, Kariara reiterated that the problems that bedevil the country are as a result of bad leadership.
"The cause that we embody is to transform Kenya. We are in a society structured in a way that the top seat makes the decisions and policies that can impact and make a change.Whatever problems we have are caused by the political elite," he affirmed.
Muthiora Kariara came to the limelight in 2017, when he was picked by Dr Japheth Kaluyu, then a presidential candidate as his running mate.
With barely three months to the polls, presidential and gubernatorial aspirants are under pressure to name running mates before May 16.
The Azimio coalition is in its final stages of picking a suitable to deputise its flag-bearer Raila Odinga, with NARC-Kenya party leader Martha Karua, Murang'a Woman Representative Sabina Chege and Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu being the only women in the race.
Deputy President William Ruto who is holding his cards close to the chest, is yet to name his running mate, with Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waigurua being touted as a possible candidate.
So far, presidential hopeful George Wajackoyah has unveiled Justina Wambui Wamae as his running mate.
