Hunt for running mates in top gear
Deputy prime minister and UDF presidential candidate Musalia Mudavadi is blessed by inter denomination clergy men of God during clergy consultative forum with church leaders from different denomination from Western province and Rift valley at Cornerstone Ministries centre in Kakamega. Photo/FILE
By JACOB NGETICH jngetich@ke.nationmedia.com AND ISAAC ONGIRI iongiri@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Friday, July 6 2012 at 23:30
Posted Friday, July 6 2012 at 23:30
IN SUMMARY
- Presidential hopefuls reveal what they will be looking for in making a choice that could make or break their bid for State House
The search for running mates by presidential aspirants is now in top gear as the General Election looms.
Leading presidential candidates Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta, Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka and William Ruto have engaged their campaign think tanks to scout for individuals with the right qualities, who can give them an edge in campaigns.
Last Sunday, Mr Odinga and a selected group of advisers, led by his chief campaign manager James Ongwae, retreated to Shompole Lodge in Kajiado to map out his strategy on how to handle the burning issue of a running mate and other campaign matters.
In the PM’s camp, his key supporters are already running over each other as they seek to draw his attention, even as the ODM leader prepares to launch his campaign and name his election partner.
“I am on track and very soon I will be launching my presidential campaigns,” said Mr Odinga. His team resolved to invite foreign experts to join the secretariat in developing a winning strategy for the ODM leader.
Roads minister Franklin Bett and Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey are already jostling for the deputy’s slot in Mr Odinga’s presidential bid.
Mr Kosgey last week declared interest in the running mate position a day after the High Court cleared him of the case involving the importation of cars older than eight years.
At the Shompole meeting, Mr Odinga and his team discussed the potential of the suspended Industrialisation minister as a possible partner.
On Thursday morning, Mr Ruto met Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi at a city hotel, and their close allies told the Saturday Nation that the two discussed a possible alliance.
Mr Murungi has fallen out with Mr Kenyatta over the emerging political direction in the Mt Kenya region and is seeking new political partners.
His group boycotted rallies organised by Mr Kenyatta, The National Alliance leader, in Meru.
This was after an attempt to have the rallies cancelled until there was consensus between the two leaders.
On Friday, Mr Kenyatta continued with tours of the Eastern region despite a silent revolt by the Alliance Party of Kenya official.
In his camp, Mr Ruto has in the past indicated that Environment minister Chirau Mwakwere, who comes from Coast, would be his running mate.
Mr Ruto said on Friday: “I am looking for a person who can augment me in my agenda to deliver to Kenyans.
“I want a performer. Being a young candidate, I will probably be looking for someone a bit of age and one who brings in regional balance.”
It is not clear how Mr Ruto will handle Mr Mwakwere should he decide to settle on Mr Murungi.
Mr Mudavadi, who has been campaigning to strengthen his new-found United Democratic Forum (UDF) party, is also out to fish for a strong candidate who can power his candidature and deliver votes that can guarantee his victory.
There has been increasing pressure from some key officials in his party to seek a strong running mate from Central Province, where his group has made some inroads.
But the Deputy Prime Minister said he was consulting widely, adding that he could let his party pick the best running mate for him.
Pundits have put their bet on Mandera Central MP Abdikadir Mohammed as Mr Mudavadi’s best partner but some of his supporters want him to seek an alliance with Mr Kenyatta.
“This is a delicate issue but I will do it within the defined period when a candidate, having been chosen as such, is obliged to name their running mate as spelt out in the Constitution,” said Mr Mudavadi.
Industrialisation assistant minister Nderitu Murithi and Ndaragua MP Jeremiah Kioni said the UDF team was working to set up its campaign machinery to ensure Mr Mudavadi wins.
“We are set for the campaigns. We are very serious and very soon we will hit the road running,” said Mr Kioni.
Mr Kenyatta has previously been associated with Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa, who has been touted as his possible running mate.
The two held a secret meeting at the Deep West Hotel in Nairobi West in May, where Luhya elders asked Mr Kenyatta name the minister as his running mate.
“The DPM will name his running mate in fullness of time. The running mate will be one between equals and together they will sell the message of transformation, hope and renewal,” said Mr Munyori Buku, the DPM’s spokesman.
Other candidates including Gichugu MP Martha Karua, assistant minister Peter Kenneth, former permanent secretary James ole Kiyiapi and Gachoka MP Mutava Musyimi are also out to seek potential running mates as they move to solidify their campaigns.
“We have already settled on three names and there is a particular team deliberating on whom among the three names will carry the day. We are looking at many factors and particularly on what value the person will bring to the campaign trail,” said Mr Kenneth.
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