Wiper to pick Makueni candidate using interviews

By OLIVE BURROWS | May 28, 2013

Wiper chairman David Musila called on interested individuals to pick application forms from the party’s Lavington office and return them together with Sh150,000 by close of business on May 31/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 28 – The Wiper Democratic Movement – Kenya (Wiper) has called on those who want the party’s ticket for the July 22 Makueni Senate by-election to submit their applications by Friday.

In a newspaper advert on Tuesday, Wiper chairman David Musila called on interested individuals to pick application forms from the party’s Lavington office and return them together with Sh150,000 by close of business on May 31.

“The reason we have given only three days is because of the tight timelines the IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) has given us. We need to have a candidate by Monday,” Musila told Capital FM News.

The party’s Elections Board will then go through the applications, Musila said, and shortlist those who will go on to an interview stage.

A candidate will then be selected out of those interviewed by a panel comprising the Elections Board chairman, the National Executive Committee (NEC) chairman among others.

“Ordinarily we would have a process of nomination through the ballot but since we do not have time to conduct a primary election, it’s agreeable that we form a panel that is going to interview the candidates,” explained Musila.

The interview panel, Musila told Capital FM News, will interview the shortlisted candidates on Monday before submitting the name of their preferred candidate to the IEBC.

The party wants to be transparent so nobody will say we hand-picked a candidate – Kalonzo

Separately, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka assured his party members that the selection process would be fair and reflect their interests.

“The party wants to be transparent so nobody will say we hand-picked a candidate,” Kalonzo said.

Musila explained that those who wish to vie for the Makueni Senate seat on a Wiper ticket will be required to detail their background on the application form, demonstrate integrity and be party members.

“They don’t have to be life party members. As long as you are a member at the point at which you submit your application we will consider you. It’s like getting into heaven; it doesn’t matter how long ago you accepted Christ as your saviour.”

Musyoka has expressed optimism the Makueni seat will remain in Wiper following the death of Wiper Secretary General Mutula Kilonzo.

“We want to be ready as the party that will be defending that seat and I can assure you we are going to win that seat big time in honour of the late Senator Mutula Kilonzo.”