Musyoka justifies decision for attending Azimio’s deputy interviews
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka now claims that the seven-member selection panel has no reason for failing to choose him as Raila Odinga’s preferred running mate.
Despite previous public pronouncements that he will not attend the interview, Musyoka justified his decision to face the panel claiming it was out of respect.
“The decision to come was my decision because I realized that we didn’t want to give anyone an excuse whatsoever to say that I refused to come, so I am here,” he said, “and if you look at the eminent persons and even the bishops here, how could I have missed,” he said.
Former Cabinet Minister Noah Wekesa’s notable persons committee has already stated that candidates who do not come before the panel will not be considered.
The panel is likely to send three names to Odinga by the end of business today, far ahead of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s May 16 deadline (IEBC).
Odinga will then select his running mate and make his announcement.
When asked about the status of the interview, he claimed before that he is overqualified, having served as Vice President in prior administrations.
“It was more of a two-hour conversation, not an interview. It has been a wonderful conversation with the likes of Archbishop Zacheus Okoth. I looked at that in my own mind and said why couldn’t I greet Okoth at his age,” Musyoka said.
The panel began interviewing candidates yesterday with eight being shortlisted.
Musyoka, 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.
