The Azimio running mate selection panel has today handed over names of three shortlisted candidates for running mate position to Raila Odinga.
The panel’s chairman Noah Wekesa said that they have handed three names to Raila who is on the campaign trail in Kilifi County.
According to Wekesa, the move was to give a chance to the Azimio One Kenya Alliance presidential flagbearer to reveal names of the three candidates.
“This follows inability of the candidate to disengage from the political exercise he is involved in to come to us today to receive the report,” he said.
“The panel focused on the candidates’ electability for votes mobilisation, leadership dependability and technical expertise in campaigns, among others,” he added.
The Informer has learnt that the panel settled on Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the most preferred to deputise Raila.
The top three candidates were scheduled to be presented to Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta who would examine them before making a final decision.
The panel began interviewing candidates on Monday with eight being shortlisted.
Musyoka, Karua, Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege, 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.