Azimio La Umoja One Kenya presidential flag-bearer Raila Odinga's campaign spokesperson, Prof Makau Mutua argues that the coalition stands to benefit from Deputy President William Ruto's running mate choice.
Speaking to KTN News on Sunday, May 15, Mutua pulled the integrity card, questioning Mathira Member of Parliament Rigathi Gachagua's past with graft cases still active in court.
According to the legal scholar, a Ruto - Rigathi ticket would be a recipe for disaster for the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
"That choice of Rigathi Gachagua is good for us. Let me first congratulate them for choosing him but also thank them because it is a gift that will keep on giving. This is because you have now an individual who probably in a normal country would not be permitted to run for higher office. He is a scandal-ridden individual."
Mutua further stated that leaders with integrity issues should not be cleared to run for office in the upcoming General Election.
"Hence we must clean our politics as such individuals should never be allowed to run for office. There is something called public shame. Right now you see some individuals who were impeached and are running for office. What country are we trying to build? That ticket that UDA gave us is a ticket that stinks to the highest level and a ticket that should be rejected," he explained.
On the other hand, politicians affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance outfit defended Gachagua, noting that he is the most suitable candidate for the role that will guarantee them a solid win in the presidential elections.
"William Ruto is looking for a person who is going to work and deliver to Kenyans and a person who is ready to become a president anytime."
"The fact that he has chosen a strong person means that he is not intending to manipulate his deputy," Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen stated in an interview.
With 84 days to the August 9 polls, the race to State House is shaping up as politicians continue to woo voters to back their bid.
All eyes will be on Azimio flag-bearer Raila Odinga who is set to name his running mate on Monday, May 16, as the IEBC window lapses.
