ACCORD: PM Raila Odinga with Industrialisation minister Henry Kosgey share a light moment on November 5.
EIGHT people have been shortlisted by ODM as possible running mates for Raila Odinga in the March 2013 election.
Three of those shortlisted are from within the ODM hierarchy while the rest are from outside the party. They are only being considered on condition that they accept to form an alliance with the Prime Minister before the election.
An ODM technical team is working out the final list before presenting the names for discussion and decision. Among those being considered as Raila's running mate is Agriculture minister Dr Sally Kosgei, the MP for Aldai in Nandi County.
ODM chairman Henry Kosgey, Industrialisation minister and MP for Tinderet, has also been shortlisted. Kosgey has already expressed his interest in becoming Raila's running mate.
Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende is also under consideration. Also on the short listed is Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua who has declared her intention to run for the presidency.
Karua has been on the campaign trail for over a year and has said she will definitively be standing in her own right. Another possible outsider is Peter Kenneth of Kenya National Congress who launched his presidential bid last Sunday.
Eugene Wamalwa of New Ford-Kenya is also under consideration although he has been insisting that he is still in the presidential race. However it is also reported that he has finalised his deal with Uhuru Kenyatta's TNA.
Wiper Democratic Party chairman Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka is also on the list as a possible running mate for Raila. However, Kalonzo has insisted that he has no intention of quitting the presidential race for anyone and in particular would not be willing to talk to the Prime Minister.
Members of the ODM technical team declined to comment on the criteria used to draw up the shortlist. Party chairman Henry Kosgey yesterday declined to comment on Raila's possible running mates.
"As ODM we are preparing for the polls and our plan is to win. We are confident that the PM has the best team and qualities to lead the country", said Kosgey.
A member of the technical team, who cannot be named, said they had also considered Mvita MP and former ODM pentagon member Najib Balala who left the party in March complaining of dictatorial leadership. He has since launched the Republican Congress Party.
"We are now listing all the details on the individuals we have shortlisted including their strengths and weaknesses before we give the PM the final report", said the member of the technical team.
During a meeting with Kalenjin elders last week, Raila was under great pressure to disclose whether he would pick Sally Kosgei or Henry Kosgey as his running mate. The elders had assured him of their support as they were disenchanted with the proposed Uhuru-Ruto alliance.
Both are considered capable with similar support in the Rift Valley but Dr Sally Kosgei is considered to have an edge as she could attract the women vote.
Her long experience in the diplomatic service and stint as the head of the civil service has also given her international contacts that could benefit the party.
Sports minister Ababu Namwamba said it was likely that Raila would pick a running mate from Rift Valley region when he was campaigning for the PM in Baringo last week.
"We want to work to with you closely and Raila's running mate may be from this region. We have strong people like Magerer Langat and others who are capable," said Namwamba.
Roads minister Frankline Bett has expressed his interest in becoming Raila's running mate but also urged for caution when the ODM picks the running mate as it could lead to a disintegration of the party.
Marende's attraction is that he has become a national figure as the Speaker but could also attract votes from Western Kenya where former ODM deputy party leader and current UDF presidential aspirant Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has his stronghold.
ODM is expected to call a National Delegates Conference in Nairobi soon where Raila will be endorsed as the party's presidential candidate. The party's National Executive Committee will recommend to the NDC how the running mate should be appointed.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment