Kalonzo Explains Why He Showed Up for Azimio Running Mate Interview

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka defended his decision to appear before the Azimio running mate selection panel, stating that he did not want to give anyone a cause to reject him as Raila Odinga’s running mate.

Despite earlier statements declining to appear before the seven-member committee chaired by former MP Dr Noah Wekesa, the former Vice President stated it was his personal decision to appear before the panel.

He described the activity as more of a chat than an interview, as is commonly assumed.

Read: Kalonzo Has Change of Heart, To Attend Raila Deputy Interview

The Tuesday morning session lasted just over two hours.

“I want to tell you that it was my decision to come because I realized we didn’t want to give anybody an excuse whatsoever to say I refused to show up,” Kalonzo told journalists.

“It was a useful conversation with the panelists led by Noah Wekesa.”

Read Also: Gideon Moi Backs Kalonzo’s Running Mate Bid

“The Committee has great and experienced men like Bishop Njenga and Bishop Zacheus Okoth, I looked at that in my own right and said why would I not want to go and meet Bishop Okoth? I had to make that decision.”

Kalonzo changed tune shortly after Kanu chair Gideon Moi declined to appear before the team.

The independence party had submitted the chairperson’s name for consideration as Raila’s running mate hours after he (Moi) backed Kalonzo for the post.

Read Also: Prof Makau Mutua Dares DP Ruto to Name Kalonzo as his Running Mate

“While he is suitable, capable to be the running mate of Raila Odinga but on this one, he is not going to appear having endorsed Kalonzo Musyoka,” KANU Secretary for Political Affairs Fredrick Okango said.

Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth is currently facing the panel on day two of the interviews.

Also to face the panel today are Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, former MP Stephen Tarus and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya.

Read Also: Governor Alfred Mutua Ditches Azimio for DP Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza

The team will then forward the names of three candidates to Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta for consideration.

On Monday, the panel interviewed Murang’a Woman Rep Sabina Chege, Governors Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, Lee Kinyanjui, and Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua.