Raila Appoints a Seven-Member Advisory Panel to Select His Running Mate

Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga has appointed a panel to vet and advise him on the most suitable running mate candidate.

Odinga appointed the seven-member advisory panel in consultation with the coalition party’s council, which is chaired by President Kenyatta.

Members of the panel include Rtd Bishop Peter Njenga, Archbishop Zacheus Okoth, Senator Enoch Wambua, Michael Orwa, Noah Wekesa, Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa, and Beatrice Moe.

Elizabeth Meyo will serve as secretary to the panel, which is required to submit the name of the nominee (s) before May 10th.

The move comes a day after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) pushed the deadline for submission of names of presidential running mates from April 28th to May 16th. 

This followed a consultative meeting between the commission and representatives of political parties on Tuesday.

“The date for submission of aspirants lists for presidential aspirants and their deputies as well as gubernatorial aspirants and their deputies will be on the 16th of May,” IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati said in a media briefing.

“Independent candidates who are vying for president and governor positions, and their deputies, shall also submit their names by 16th of May.”

Some of the leaders who have been touted as potential running mates of Odinga include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Nark-Kenya’s Martha Karua, Agriculture CS Peter Munya, and former presidential aspirant Peter Kenneth.

Odinga, 77, is giving his fifth stab at the presidency and is expected to face off with Deputy President William Ruto, who is running on a UDA ticket.