Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has changed his mind and will now face the Azimio advisory panel for Raila Odinga’s running mate interview.
In a letter to the Azimio One Kenya Running Mate Selection Panel, the former vice president will appear before the panel on Tuesday, May 10.
“His Excellency Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka SC, hereby states that he has decided to honour the invitation to attend interviews for the Azimio One Kenya running mate position that will be conducted by the panel of eminent persons,” the letter reads.
Kalonzo had previously said that he would not be subjected to any interview in his quest to deputise Raila, in the August 9 General Election.
He also protested why he had to be subjected to an exam to be Raila’s deputy.
“This issue is beginning to weigh heavily on me. I find it almost unacceptable discussing it… If this issue is solved earlier, it will give some of us the impetus to campaign,” Kalonzo said.
While addressing residents of Sultan Hamud and Emali town in Machakos on Thursday last week, Kalonzo said he would not face the selection panel.
“I have so much respect for the selection panel. Let them not perceive me as a rude person. But it’s Kenyans who have said that Kalonzo has been the Vice President to late President Mwai Kibaki for five years, Kalonzo has been Raila Odinga’s running mate from 2013 and 2017, what kind of interview is this which you are going for?” he asked.
“I said in due respect that no, I will not appear for an interview.”
Kalonzo added that he surrendered his 2017 presidential candidature in favour of Raila, hence, a suitable man for the position.
Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance council secretary general Junet Mohamed had earlier explained why the coalition must vet the person that will deputise Raila in the August 9 polls.
The Suna East MP said that the key reason they will have to vet potential candidates is because they do not want to end up with someone like the current deputy president.
“The guiding principle in identifying a running mate for the Azimio Presidential candidate is, we don’t want to have a deputy president like William Ruto,” Junet said.
Deputy President William Ruto said that subjecting the Wiper leader to a humiliating running mate interview was impunity.
The second in command insisted that every leader deserves respect.
“Though we are competitors, to subject Kalonzo to some humiliating ‘interview’ is impunity. We must unite to eliminate the culture of political deceit, the hallmark of some politicians. Whatever the circumstances every leader deserves some dignity and respect. Heshima si utumwa,” he tweeted.
Source: The Star