Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has joined the list of those eying to be named the running mate to the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga
Her political outfit, National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) presented her name to the Azimio Advisory panel tasked with vetting those interested in being Raila’s deputy for consideration.
While submitting the name, NARC Secretary-General Fidelis Nguuli said the Kitui governor has enough experience to be Raila’s deputy, having served for more than 30 years in various positions.
“As a pioneering affiliate member of the said coalition, it gives us pleasure to submit the name of our Party leader Charity Ngilu for vetting, evaluation, and consideration for the coveted position of running mate and Deputy President to Raila Odinga in the forthcoming elections,” Nguuli said.
On April 21, Azimio-One Kenya Alliance’s top Council sanctioned a process to identify Raila’s running mate ahead of the August 9 polls.
Among the leaders being considered by the panel for the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition running mate slot include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who together with Ngilu comes from the Ukambani region.
Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya are among those angling to be named the ODM leader’s running mate.
The running mate slot in Azimio is proving to be a catalyst for division in the newly formed coalition.
Already allies of Wiper leaders are on record treating to boycott voting for the Azimio presidential candidate if their leader is not named the presidential running mate.
While expressing optimism that Kalonzo will clinch the running mate position, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua warned of consequences at the ballot should the Wiper leader not deputize Odinga in the August 9 General Election.
“Personally, if he does not pick Kalonzo (as his running mate), probably I will not vote for him. We must begin to be honest with each other,” Wambua told KTN News on Monday, April 25.
