Azimio names 7 member team to vet Raila’s potential running mates

Azimio One Kenya Coalition Council has appointed a seven-member panel to recommend possible running mates for Raila Odinga ahead of the August General Election.

Through a statement, the Council’s Secretary-General Junet Mohamed said the advisory panel has up to May 10 to vet potential running mates for the Azimio presidential candidate.

“The panel shall reach its decision through consensus and shall elect its chairperson. The secretary of the panel shall be Ms Elizabeth Meyo,” said Mohamed.

The panel comprises members of the clergy and representatives of political parties in the coalition.

They are; Bishop Peter Njenga, Archbishop Zaccheus Okoth, Senator Enock Wambua, Michael Orwa, Noah Wekesa, Sheik Mohamed Khalifa and Beatrice Moe.

This comes after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) extended the deadline for presidential aspirants to name their running mates.

IEBC and political parties agreed on a two-week extension from the initial April 28.

Speaking after a consultative meeting with representatives of political parties, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said that the names of governor aspirants will also be summited on May 16.

“The date for submission of aspirants lists for presidential candidates and deputies as well as gubernatorial candidates and deputies will be on 16th of May next month,” he said.

Chebukati said the deadline for submission of names for aspirants for Members of National Assembly, Woman Representative, Senate and Members of County Assembly remains Thursday, April 28.

Independent candidates are also expected to submit their names on May 2.

He stated that this will make it easier for the commission to submit the names for approval in accordance with the Constitution’s Chapter Six.

“The other dates remain the same, as you submit the names the Commission reminds you to comply with the two-thirds gender rule,” he added.