Raila to Name Running Mate on Monday

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga will name his running mate on Monday, ahead of the May 16 deadline.

Kenyans should be patient, said Raila Odinga Presidential Campaign Secretariat spokesman Makau Mutua, because the coalition will not name Raila’s deputy at the Kamukunji rally on Sunday.

Earlier reports indicated that the former prime minister would unveil his preferred candidate at today’s rally.

“Our campaign is aware that Kenyans are anxious to know the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Presidential ticket. We will make the announcement tomorrow (Monday),” Prof Mutua said.

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According to sources, the Azimio Running Mate Selection Panel had recommended Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua for the role.

The Noah Wekesa-led seven-member panel also suggested Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth to Raila.

The panel had also interviewed governors Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega).

Others were Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya and former Emgwen MP Stephen Tarus.

Read Also: Kalonzo Explains Why He Showed Up for Azimio Running Mate Interview

Wekesa on Friday stated that the names submitted to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader were “in order of priority,” but did not reveal who the three people were.

Wekesa stated that Raila will have the last say in appointing his deputy ahead of the August elections.

“It is possible (that Mr Odinga could unveil his running mate at the rally). It is not something that we have discussed but because he has since received the names it is something he can consider,” said Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, Head of Raila’s presidential campaign board.

He added: “We are looking forward to it because it is a significant rally and the beginning of our formal campaigns. We are increasingly unveiling our manifesto and we can expect more of that on Sunday. You will see a galaxy of Azimio leaders also being unveiled.”

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Jubilee party vice-chairman David Murathe, Azimio executive director Raphael Tuju, and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed all made similar comments.

Deputy President William Ruto earlier on in the day picked Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate.

In his address, the DP referred to Gachagua as an “astute debator”, passionate about the ordinary person.

“Gachagua is my friend whom I have worked with, especially on that Bottom-Up Economic model and we started that journey together. He understands people’s issues, he is passionate about ordinary people,” said the Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate.