Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Peter Kenneth have been shortlisted as the best candidates to deputize the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the coming August elections.
Kivumbi.co.ke can authoritatively say that the Azimio presidential running mate selection panel chaired by Noah Wekesa has settled on the three candidates.
The panel was expected to unveil Kalonzo, Karua, and Kenneth today but postponed that announcement citing the absence of the ODM leader who is away at Coast leading the Azimio campaigns.
“We had intended to send our report today (Wednesday), but we did not know that our Party leader (Raila Odinga) would be out of town… He has assured us that he will be here tomorrow (Thursday, May 12),” Wekesa said.
The naming of Raila’s running mate has been shrouded in controversy as the battle between Ukambani and Mt Kenya intensified.
The wiper leader and his allies have threatened to dump the ODM leader if he fails to pick Kalonzo as his running mate.
“If I am not picked, it’s obvious that all the votes due unto me may troop to Ruto’s direction. Is that what they want” It’s rather obvious,” the Standard quoted Kalonzo as saying.
On the hand, Mt Kenya leaders have also laid claim to the running mate slot saying their numerical strength cannot be wished away.
Speaking on an NTV night program on Tuesday, May 3, Chege said that Raila’s victory can only be guaranteed if his running mate has numbers.
“Numbers are very important among many things; commitment, experience future ambition…Numbers at the end of the day are the ones which will deliver victory.”Chege said.
“Facts are stubborn, Mt Kenya gave Uhuruto more than 52% votes in 2013 and 50% in 2017. So whoever is going to be president whether, from Azimio or Kenya Kwanza, you can not afford to ignore Mt Kenya,” Chege added.
Both Martha Karua and Peter Kenneth will represent Mt Kenya’s interests if the ODM leader settles one of them.
With the May 16 deadline for the nomination of a running game fast approaching, Raila still has the headache of choosing between Mt Kenya and Ukambani.
