Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has sanctioned the formation of a special committee as the search for ODM leader Raila Odinga’s presidential running mate intensifies.
Addressing journalists after the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party meeting chaired by the president on Thursday, April 21, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed revealed that the advisory committee will be tasked to identify a suitable number two.
“Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition council also resolved to appoint an advisory panel to recommend to the presidential candidate suitable candidates for nomination as the deputy presidential candidate,” Junet said.
Junet who is also the Azimio Council Secretary-General said the council further resolved to draft a campaign strategy that will ensure the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party forms the next government.
“The council has also directed the national coalition executive committee to immediately prepare a campaign strategy and plan that will ensure; the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate wins the 2022 presidential election, Azimio forms the next government and last the coalition forms the majority in Parliament and all 47 County Assemblies,” added Junet.
The council meeting comes after cracks emerged among coalition members over the running mate slot.
Kivumbi.co.ke understands that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has for instance insisted that he is the right person to deputize the Azimio presidential candidate and has also threatened to withdraw from the coalition should he miss the number two slot.
On their part, allies of President Uhuru Kenyatta have maintained that the number two slot for Azimio must be picked from the Jubilee party and the slot strictly reserved for the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka and former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth are among the front runners eying to be Raila’s number two.
