Wiper Party boss Kalonzo Musyoka softened his stance and appeared before the interviewing panel for the running mate post of Azimio flag bearer Raila Odinga at a Nairobi hotel.
After insisting on being the default pick for the role by refusing to show himself for vetting and calling the process “demeaning”, Kalonzo will face the seven-member bench today.
“His Excellency Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka SC, hereby states that he has decided to honour the invitation to attend interviews for the Azimio One Kenya running mate position that will be conducted by the panel of eminent persons,” the letter reads.
Kalonzo’s change of heart comes a day after Kanu chairman Gideon Moi withdrew from the interviews and declared support for the Wiper party boss.
He had questioned why he had to take an exam to become Raila’s deputy.
“This issue is beginning to weigh heavily on me. I find it almost unacceptable discussing it… If this issue is solved earlier, it will give some of us the impetus to campaign,” Kalonzo said.
The panel began interviewing candidates yesterday with eight being shortlisted.
The panel led by former Cabinet Minister Noah Wekesa had first heard from Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, who was nominated by Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Wiper Leader Kalonzo, Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua, Murang’a Women Representative Sabina Chege, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth and KANU Chairman Senator Gideon Moi are among those who have been shortlisted.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, former Kenyan Ambassador to Australia Stephen Tarus, deputy ODM party leader Wycliffe Oparanya and governor of Nakuru Lee Kinyanjui are among the others.
The deadline for presidential candidates to submit their names alongside those of their running mates was originally set for April 28, but after discussions with Raila and Ruto camps, the deadline was extended to May 16.