DP William Ruto has received a backlash after he weighed in on the Azimio la Umoja-OKA method of selecting a suitable running mate.
The presidential flag bearer of the coalition Raila Odinga appointed a 7-member panel who were tasked with the responsibility of finding him vetting candidates who are eyeing the position.
The panelists, Bishop Peter Njenga, Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth, Senator Enoch Wambua, Michael Orwa, Dr. Noah Wekesa, Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa, and Beatrice Askul Moe, have until May 10 to provide Odinga with name/names of the preferred running mate.
DP Ruto has however faulted the move by Azimio to subject the Wiper party leader to an interview instead of giving him the position directly.
In a statement he share on his social media, DP Ruto termed the interview as humiliating and insisted that every leader deserved dignity and respect
“Though we are competitors, to subject HE Kalonzo to some humiliating ‘interview’ is impunity. We must unite to eliminate the culture of political deceit, the hallmark of some politicians. Whatever the circumstances every leader deserves some dignity and respect. Heshima si utumwa,” Ruto said.
His critics however wondered why he would oppose Kalonzo being interviewed yet he was interviewed when his party, UDA, was fielding a presidential candidate.
“But William, you were also interviewed by Muthama & Veronica Maina for the UDA Presidential Candidature, a party that you Own? Are you saying that you were SIMILARLY subjected to ‘some humiliating interview’? Was your interview ‘impunity’? You were interviewed. Kalonzo Musyoka is OK,” Geoffrey Tambara responded to Ruto.
“You can’t be here singing hampangwingwi lakini nyinyi mnataka kupanga vile Azimio La Umoja wanafanya mambo yao. You guy’s know very well that a running mate from Mt Kenya will finish you completely. That’s why you’re trying to push Kalonzo for it . HUTATUPANGA,” Konstantine said.
“When UDA interviewed its ‘presidential candidates’ it was said democracy, when Azimio holds an interview, it is impunity and heshima si utumwa? Electing such leaders who believe all Kenyans are fools is so bad,” read another comment.
UDA does not see the irony where by Ruto appeared before Muthama a class 5 dropout and Veronica or its Kalonzo where you draw the line brother. Raila Tosha #RaoNiWetu pic.twitter.com/r9zOEtnSDq
— Mzalendo Mzalendo (@MzalendoKE_) May 4, 2022
On the other hand, Kalonzo however said that he will not participate in the vetting process for the running mate. Speaking to the Standard, he said the process was demeaning to him.
” “I want to tell all Kenyans that I will not attend the said process. I find the entire thing demeaning to my person and will therefore distance myself from it,” the Wiper party leader noted.
Meanwhile, Those eyeing the presidential seat have until May 16 to submit names of their running mates to IEBC.
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