Pressure mounts on Raila, Ruto ahead of deputies deadline
Deputy President William Ruto and Azimio-One Kenya Alliance presidential aspirant Raila Odinga are bracing for an intense week with only seven days left to name their running mates.
The two front-runners must choose their running partners by Monday after successfully negotiating an extension with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that provided them with an additional time.
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.
Both leaders have taken a cautious approach in making their decisions, even forming teams to assist them in identifying appropriate candidates, giving them an advantage in terms of numbers and appeal.
They are also interested in selecting prospects based on compatibility, with gender and region of origin being crucial factors that complicate their decision.
Azimo formed an advisory council to help settle the debate over a presidential running mate ahead of the August elections.
Chaired by the coalition party’s chairperson President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said the Council further directed the National Executive Council to come up with a campaign strategy that will ensure the coalition party scoops a majority in Parliament and the county assemblies.
The panel which consists of Bishop Peter Njenga, Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, Michael Orwa, Noah Wekesa, Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa and Beatrice Askul Moe are expected to present “a name, or names of the running mate candidate by May 10.
The vetting panel chaired by former Cabinet minister Noah Wekesa released the list of probable running mates late last week.
The eight include; Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Sabina Chege (Jubilee Party), Martha Karua (NARC Kenya), Charity Ngilu (NARC), Peter Kenneth (Jubilee Party), Gideon Moi (KANU), Ali Hassan Joho (ODM) and Stephen Kipkiyeny Torus (National Liberal Party).
“The rest 13 applications were not considered as they had not been submitted by the constituent political parties of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance Coalition,” reads the statement signed by Wekesa.
Although extreme stances have already been established within Ruto’s camp, the debate over who should deputise him has not been as tumultuous.
Mount Kenya leaders, led by Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, have stated that anything less than a running mate role will not be accepted.
Senator Kithure Kindiki of Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, and MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) and Alice Wahome are among the candidates being evaluated for the position (Kandara). Musalia Mudavadi, the leader of the Amani National Congress, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate from outside the region.
