NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 22 – Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance council has formed an advisory panel to recommend possible running mates for Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga ahead of the August polls.
The decision was made during the inaugural meeting since Azimio coalition was formed that was chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In a statement read by Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Secretary General Junet Mohamed, the council said that the technocrat team will guide the jumbo movement.
“We have mandated an advisory panel to recommend suitable candidates for running mate. The Council also resolve to appoint an advisory panel to recommend suitable candidates for the running mate slot,” Junet said.
It is alleged that a five-member team led by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua had been tasked to give data information on who among the leaders eyeing for the slot is most preferred.
This comes days after Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka who believes that the running mate position belongs to him stated that discussions on the running mate position will only involve him, President Kenyatta and Azimio presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga.
“What will happen is that there will be talks between Odinga myself and President Kenyatta. That is how we formed the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition so take it to the bank that I am in the decision-making team,” Musyoka said Sunday at the Redeemed Gospel Church, Liberty Christian Centre in Nairobi.
It now seems that the council is reading from different script leaving Musyoka in the dark.
The issue of a running mate has been a major headache in the mega movement threatening fallouts within the coalition.
Musyoka and Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua have openly expressed desire to deputise Odinga.
The Wiper Leader has gone to the extent of insisting he deserves the position having dropped his bid for the third time in favor of Odinga.
“That issue has not been resolved. But clearly having dropped my presidential ambition and by the way, I was very ready it is a legitimate expectation that I should be the running mate. Even then, it has not been decided. It has not even been discussed,” Musyoka said.
Others linked to the position is Narc Kenya Leader Martha Karua with her possibility being boosted by the fact she hails from Mt Kenya.
Last week, Azimio Women Group, the women politicians’ group rooting for Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid, pushed for her to be named for that slot.
“One of the reasons that we were here is as simple as this: Martha Karua as deputy president. It is not rocket science, we do not see why you cannot see the value of Martha, she is a national figure who has been a minister and her record speaks for itself,” Public Service and Gender Programmes CAS Rachael Shebesh said.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui and former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth have also been mentioned as probable running mates.
The council members after holding a meeting also resolved to initiate key organs which include dispute committee, national disciplinary committee, national appeals board to ensure seamless operation within the coalition.
With 26 affiliate parties, the movement has been struggling to iron out the sibling rivalry and competing interest within the coalition.
The council has considered also how the campaigns will be rolled out ensure victory in August polls in a closed door meeting by Musyoka, Karua ,Gideon Moi of KANU among others were present in the closed door meeting.
