The race to pick Raila Odinga’s running mate took a new turn on Thursday after a meeting by the Azimio Coalition Council chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In a statement released after the inaugural meeting, it was decided that the best candidate for the much coveted runningmate position will be decided by a seven-member committee.
Among those appearing in the list of preferred candidates is Agriculture CS Peter Munya.
“The Committee will evaluate all the candidates and propose two names to Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta for the final decision.” reads part of the statement.
Among the major considerations to determine the two possible candidates is their ability to rally a substantial number of votes into Mr. Odinga’s basket.
In the dying moments of the process, several leaders from Meru have issued statements in support of Agriculture CS Peter Munya as he seek this position.
Adressing the Media earlier this week, Munya’s closest ally and EALA MP Mpuru Aburi urged President Uhuru to stick to his earlier promise that the runningmate position would go to Mr. Munya.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta convinced Munya to shelve his Meru gubernatorial ambition with a promise that he would be the Azimio la Umoja runningmate.” Mpuru says.
According to the outspoken legislator, failure to consider Munya for the position amounts to betrayal, and such a move would attract a protest vote from Meru and the larger Mt. Kenya East region.
“Munya has done a lot for Azimio in Mt. Kenya, more than any other leader. There will be no Azimio without Munya.” Mpuru says.
The Meru UDA Senatorial aspirant Kathuri Murungi has also come out in support of Mr. Munya, terming him the most qualified candidate for the position.
“They know you (Munya) are best suited as the DP for Azimio Coalition na time inasonga. What is the Advisory Committee for?” the South Imenti MP posted on his Socials on Friday.
But just how much influence does Mr. Munya command in Meru and Mt. Kenya region?
A quick poll my Meru Daily News on 22nd April indicates that only a paltry 2% of the Meru UDA supporters would be willing to ditch Ruto for Raila with Munya as the runningmate.
“The Meru people are not in UDA because CS Munya is not Raila’s running mate. We are in UDA because we believe in the Party, it’s leadership, manifesto, mission, vision and its main call resonates well with us.” says Mr. Mugambi John.
“Even if Raila chose my husband as his running mate. I will still vote Chief hustler Ruto.” says Gatwiri Keeru.
“Even if Munya is picked as the presidential flag bearer, I will still and I repeat, I will stand with Dr. Ruto.” says Nicholas Gichunge.
There are still those who believe that President Uhuru intentionally tricked Munya to shelve his gubernatorial bid a few months ago.
“The law is very clear.The IEBC gave a deadline for anyone intending to vie for a political seat to resign in February. Munya didn’t resign. He can’t be allowed to vie for even an MCA seat.” says Mwangi Francis.
He is ours but chances are almost next to zero. We were ready to support him as a Governor but he was deceive. Shauri yake.” says Edwin Mwobi Gikutha.
There are those who still think Mr. Munya’s constant collisions with other leaders in the region puts him at a bad place.
“Who is willing to support Munya? Does he even support himself? He insults every other leader in his own backyard. Apambane peke yake tuone.” says Catherine Kaweni.
The author is a Social Media Strategist, a Digital Media Expert with interest in Governance and Social Welfare.
