The Azimio One Kenya Alliance communication team has addressed the anxiety around the naming of Raila Odinga's running mate ahead of the August elections.
There were reports that the former Prime Minister was scheduled to make the announcement during the Kamukunji rally set for Sunday, May 15.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Azimio Press Secretary Dennis Onsarigo affirmed that the team still had 48 hours to name a suitable candidate to deputise Raila.
Although he did not refute that the subject might come up during the Kamukunji rally, the former television journalist, however, explained that they had a working deadline of Monday, May 16, and that anything could happen in between.
"We still have time. deadline is tomorrow at midnight. We still have 48 hours to go. (The unveiling will happen) between now and tomorrow night. We still have time.
"At Kamukunji, we have a big rally there today. If the unveiling happens there well and good. If it doesn't, then we still have time," explained Onsarigo.
His sentiments appeared to back the views of Pauline Njoroge, another Azimio insider who noted that there was no official communication regarding the subject coming up during the Kamukunji rally.
She maintained that the overriding agreement within the coalition pointed to Monday, May 16 as the official date, set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, (IEBC).
"The last I checked, the Azimio running mate candidate was to be announced tomorrow (Monday 16th). I haven’t seen any official communication to the contrary.
"So unless a surprise move happens today, all indications point to tomorrow being our big day," noted Njoroge.
According to earlier report, the former Prime Minister was scheduled to reveal his manifesto as well as the line up for the national campaigns.
The Head of Odinga’s presidential campaign board Ndiritu Muriithi noted that the decision to unveil the names of the running mate contenders now lies with the former Prime Minister who may choose to unveil the names at the rally.
“It is possible (that Mr Odinga could unveil his running mate at the rally). It is not something that we have discussed but because he has since received the names it is something he can consider,” he told Nation.
Former Presidential Aspirant Martha Karua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former MP Peter Kenneth are the top contenders for the post.
Deputy President William Ruto is also expected to unveil his running mate on Sunday after his team failed to choose between Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua and Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki.
