The panel tasked with selecting a running mate for ODM leader Raila Odinga kicked off interviews on Monday with Murang’a Women Rep Sabina Chege being the first to be grilled.
Speaking after the grilling, Chege said that she believes that has high chances of being chosen but will respect the decision of the panel whatever the outcome will be.
She however referred to the whole exercise as a good conversation and not an interview, saying that the panel was only after knowing the prospective running mates in person.
“It was a good experience just having a conversation and the panel just wanted to know much about myself and what I will bring on the table but I would say it was not really an interview but a conversation, a very good conversation,” Chege noted.
She added that the panel wanted to know what she would bring to the table and she went ahead to mention some of things about her that would an added advantage to the Azimio la Umoja candidate.
“For me I bring the energy and I am a young person, also the gender. More so out of the region especially Murang’a, where in Mt. Kenya we have a very huge vote basket. I have an advantage of being a young person and also being a woman. The women constituent appeals, not only in Murang’a, I also appeal across the nation not just my region.
“Being also in active politics, I have been in parliament for the last 10 years and my connection to my colleagues in parliament and also across the nation. I have been the chair of education committee I have also been the chair of health committee, I have managed to transact this nation and also internationally, my connections are good and I know I am really able to to support my candidate,” Chege said
The lawmaker also said that there is no problem with Raila’s running mate coming from Mt. Kenya since he has the support of president Uhuru Kenyatta. There are worries that should Raila pick a running mate from Mt. Kenya, that would cause regional imbalances.
“He is not going on the ballot. It is about the people who are going to be on the ballot, about convincing our people that they need to really support Azimio la Umoja,” Chege said.
“They just want to know the person, and what you bring to the table. It wasn’t really an interview but a conversation”
Sabina Chege speaks after the Azimio-OKA Deputy President candidate interview happening at Serena Hotel. pic.twitter.com/xCKdHatLW8
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) May 9, 2022
Previously, Chege said that she will not be defending her Women Rep seat but will fully concentrate on campaigning for Raila.
Others who were shortlisted for the running mate interviews include: Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho, Peter Kenneth, KANU chairman Senator Gideon Moi, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, former Kenyan Ambassador to Australia Stephen Tarus, deputy ODM party leader Wycliffe Oparanya, Martha Karua and Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui.
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