Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s Running Mate Selection Panel will begin hearing submissions from interested individuals on Wednesday, May 4.

In a statement on Sunday, panel secretary Elizabeth Meyo also outlined the qualifications for the candidates.

“Rt. Hon Raila Odinga is giving this process mandated by the coalition’s supreme body the seriousness it deserves.

“All the eminent Kenyans being considered for this important position of service to Kenyans will be meeting the selection panel on various days between 4th and 10th May 2020,” panel Secretary Elizabeth Meyo said in a statement.

Raila running mate qualifications

According to the panel, for one to be considered for the position one must demonstrate fidelity to the Constitution of Kenya.

One must demonstrate respect for the people, bring honour to the nation and dignity to the office, promote public confidence in the integrity of the office, and demonstrate the value that nomination to the office is a responsibility to serve the people, rather than the power to rule them.

The panel further outlined that the person suited for the position must demonstrate, in word and deed, fidelity to the following guiding principles of leadership and integrity which includes personal integrity in public and private life; objectivity and impartiality in decision making, and in ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favouritism, other improper motives or corrupt practices.

All the best to the candidates! pic.twitter.com/5OuVobn1mj

— Prof Makau Mutua (@makaumutua) May 1, 2022

The individual must also be willing to deliver 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.

Accountability to the public for decisions and actions; and discipline and commitment in service to the people are also additional requirements.

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been fighting for the position.

Meyo said the selection and vetting process will be completed by May 10, after which Odinga will unveil the successful candidate to the public.

Raila’s running mate selection panel members

Odinga’s 7-member Running Mate Selection Panel comprises Bishop Peter Njenga, Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth, Senator Enoch Wambua, Michael Orwa, Dr. Noah Wekesa, Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa, and Beatrice Askul Moe.

Presidential candidates are expected to submit the names of their running mates to IEBC by May 16.