The panel tasked to select Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga’s running mate has shortlisted eight candidates for interview.
The eight were picked from a list of 21 applicants while the rest were disqualified since their names were not forwarded by the coalition’s 26 affiliate parties.
“The rest 13 applications were not considered as they had not been submitted by the constituent political parties of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance Coalition,” the panel’s Chairperson Dr. Noah Wekesa said in a statement on Friday.
Those shortlisted include Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Sabina Chege (Jubilee Party), Martha Karua (NARC Kenya), Peter Kenneth (Jubilee Party) Gideon Moi (KANU) Ali Hassan Joho (ODM), Charity Ngilu (NARC) and former Kenyan ambassador to Australia Stephen Kipkiyeny Torus (National Liberal Party).
Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi on Thursday wrote to the panel endorsing Musyoka for the presidential running mate post, saying he is the most suitable candidate.
“It is our considered opinion and strongly believes that Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka fits the bill and is the most suitable individual to deputize Raila Amollo Odinga,” Moi said in a letter to the panel on Thursday.
“It is our sincere hope that this panel will consider and find him appropriate for the position of Deputy President and consequently recommend his selection as such.”
Musyoka, who shelved his presidential bid in favor of Odinga, has insisted he will not appear before the panel for vetting, arguing that he is the most suitable deputy president nominee in the coalition.
“I want to tell all Kenyans that I will not attend the said process. I find the entire thing demeaning to my person and will therefore distance myself from it,” Musyoka was quoted by The Standard as saying.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) set May 16th as the deadline for presidential candidates to submit the names of their running mates.
Kalonzo’s is not the right…
Kalonzo’s is not the right person to deputize RAO. It will be another unworkable government between RAO and kalonzo. He has his shady ulterior motives of wanting to be Raila’s deputy. It won’t work.
Martha Karua is too stiff to…
Martha Karua is too stiff to make a good deputy president. She does not have the charisma required of a deputy president. She also exemplifies an attitude of entitlement and self righteousness.
The holy smoke has come out …
The holy smoke has come out – it’s Sabina Chege for Raila’s deputy president!