Raila: I am looking for a running mate with these qualifications

Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga has announced that selection and vetting of potential candidates to deputize him in his August presidential bid have begun.

The Azimio La Umoja - One Kenya Coalition Running Mate Selection Panel, through a statement on Sunday, said that candidates being considered for the deputy president’s post under an Odinga presidency will begin meeting the panel on Wednesday, May 4.

“Rt. Hon Raila Odinga is giving this process mandated by the coalition's supreme body the seriousness it deserves. All the eminent Kenyans being considered for this important position of service to Kenyans will be meeting the selection panel on various days between 4th and 10th May 2020,” read the statement.

The committee further stated that for one to be considered for the role, they must demonstrate fidelity to the Constitution of Kenya with particular emphasis on the qualification for nomination as a Deputy Presidential Candidate.

The candidate, the team noted, must demonstrate in word and deed, that nomination to the high office of Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya is a public trust to be exercised in a manner that—

b) brings honour to the nation and dignity to the office;

c) promotes public confidence in the integrity of the office; and

d) demonstrates the value that nomination to the office is a responsibility to serve the people, rather than the power to rule them .

Additionally, the former Prime Minister is looking for a deputy president who must  demonstrate, in word and deed, fidelity to the following guiding principles of leadership and integrity —

a) personal integrity in public and private life;

b) objectivity and impartiality in decision making, and in ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favouritism, other improper motives or corrupt practices;

c) selfless service based solely on the public interest, demonstrated by honesty in the execution of public duties and the declaration of any personal interest that may conflict with public duties.

d) accountability to the public for decisions and actions; and

e) discipline and commitment in service to the people.

The panel’s secretary, Elizabeth Meyo, further stated that the selection and vetting process shall be finalized by May 10, after which Odinga will unveil the successful candidate to the public.

Odinga’s 7-member Running Mate Selection Panel comprises Bishop Peter Njenga, Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth, Senator Enoch Wambua, Michael Orwa, Dr. Noah Wekesa, Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa, and Beatrice Askul Moe.

In the meantime, presidential aspirants have until May 16 to submit their running mates to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) after the commission last week moved the deadline from the initially set April 28.