Azimio flagbearer Raila Odinga's Running Mate Selection Panel has concluded its search for a prospective Deputy President.
Speaking on Thursday, May 12, the panel's chair, Noah Wekesa, stated that the team had come up with three names which they submitted to Raila to announce who will deputize him.
Wekesa stated that the names will not be made public at this moment. He stated that Raila will release the three names after which he will pick one person who will be his running mate.
The three names were also submitted in the order of the marks all the prospective running mates had garnered - out of a score of 100.
"The panel has recommended three names which have been submitted in order of priority," Dr Wekesa stated.
Dr Wekesa stated that they used criteria which were centred on constitutional qualifications, understanding of government, the personality of the candidates, political acumen, compatibility and loyalty including strategic significance in the fight against corruption.
The candidates were also asked to give the panel their understanding of the key challenges facing Kenya and their proposal on what should be done to address these issues.
Emphasis was laid on electability, the capacity for votes, mobilization, transformative leadership, dependability, political tolerance and technical expertise in political campaigns.
Conspicuously absent from the panel's press conference was Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua who has been a vocal supporter of Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Reports in a section of media claimed that the panel had selected Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the best choice to deputise Raila Odinga.
Kalonzo coming in third could be a problem for the Azimio coalition since he was not keen to show up for the interview with the panel. It emerged that President Uhuru Kenyatta had to make a call to the Wiper Party leader and convinced him to show up.
Insiders stated that the President urged Kalonzo to attend the interviews as a way to solidify his support and loyalty to the Azimio coalition.
During the call, Uhuru is said to have notified Kalonzo that if he does not show up, his chances of being selected as Raila Odinga's running mate would be slim.
