Azimio sets the bar high for presidential running mate

• Apr 28, 2022

Azimio sets the bar high for presidential running mate

By Junet Mohamed (pictured)

At its inaugural meeting held on 21st April 2022 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Council, at the request of the party’s Presidential candidate, Raila Amolo Odinga, resolved to appoint a seven-member team to assist and advice the candidate regarding the nomination of the party’s Deputy Presidential Candidate.

Under our constitutional democracy, the Deputy President is expected to be the principal assistant of the President and is also expected to faithfully deputise for the President in the execution of the President’s functions.

Further, when the President is absent or is temporarily incapacitated, and during any other period that the President decides, the Deputy President shall act as the President.

The vetting of candidates and the subsequent nomination of a candidate for this critical post is thus a matter of the utmost national importance to be undertaken in the spirit of inclusivity, fostering both party and national unity, transparency, the principles of good governance and drawing from the collective wisdom of eminent Kenyan’s of goodwill and experience in diverse leadership positions.

In view of the foregoing and in consultation with the Coalition Council, Raila Amolo Odinga has appointed the following panel members to assist and advice him regarding the nomination of the party’s Deputy Presidential Candidate:

1. Bishop Peter Njenga

2. Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth

3. Senator Enoch Kiio Wambua

4. Michael Orwa

5. Dr Noah Wekesa

6. Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa

7. Mrs Beatrice Askul Moe

The panel shall reach its decision through consensus and shall elect its chairperson.

The panel secretary shall be Mrs Elizabeth Meyo.

In undertaking this solemn task, the panel shall be guided by the following core principles:

a) Fidelity to the Constitution of Kenya with particular emphasis on the qualification for nomination as a Deputy Presidential Candidate

b) Eligible candidates must demonstrate, in word and deed, that nomination to the high office of Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya is a public trust to be exercised in a manner that—

i. demonstrates respect for the people ;

ii. brings honour to the nation and dignity to the office;

iii. promotes public confidence in the integrity of the office; and

iv. demonstrates the value that nomination to the office is a responsibility to serve the people, rather than the power to rule them

c) In addition, the eligible candidates must demonstrate, in word and deed, fidelity to the following guiding principles of leadership and integrity —

i. personal integrity in public and private life;

ii. In previous public service or private affairs, objectivity and impartiality in decision making, and in ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favouritism, other improper motives or corrupt practices;

iii. selfless service based solely on the public interest, demonstrated by—

• honesty in the execution of public duties; and

• the declaration of any personal interest that may conflict with public

duties;

iv. accountability to the public for decisions and actions; and

v. discipline and commitment in service to the people.

The panel is required to submit to the candidate the name(s) of the suitable candidate(s), for his consideration, on or before 10th May 2022.