Azimio panel submits three candidates for Raila deputy position

The Azimio Running Mate Selection panel on Thursday handed names of three shortlisted candidates for running mate to Raila Odinga.

According to the panel's chairman Noah Wekesa, they handed three names to Raila who is on the campaign trail in Kilifi County.

"This follows inability of the candidate to disengage from the political exercise he is involved in to come to us today to receive the report,"  he said.

Wekesa said the move was to give a chance to the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance presidential flag bearer to reveal names of the three candidates.

"The panel focused on the candidates' electability for votes mobilisation, leadership dependability and technical expertise in campaigns among others," the panel said. 

The running mate interviews were conducted by the panel of eminent person on May 9 and May 10.

From the three, Raila will pick one person who will be his running mate in August 9 General election.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission had set May 16, as the deadline for submission of running mate names by presidential aspirants.

On April 27, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance unveiled a seven-member panel to advise on who Raila would pick as his running mate.

Azimio Council secretary-general Junet Mohamed said the panel members had agreed to take up the roles and deliver their new mandate.

The panel consist of the clergy and representatives of political parties.

The panel members included; Bishop Peter Njenga, Archbishop Zaccheus Okoth, Senator Enock Wambua, Michael Orwa, Noah Wekesa, Sheik Mohammed Khalifa and Beatrice Moe.

"The secretary of the panel shall be Ms Elizabeth Meyo."

The panel was initially expected to submit the name of persons suitable for the job by May 10.