By OTIENO OTIENO More by this AuthorFormer Kenyan Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Martha Karua has emerged as a strong contender for Raila Odinga’s deputy presidential running mate ahead of the May 16 deadline for presidential candidates to submit the names to the electoral commission. Ms Karua, a veteran of Kenya’s pro-democracy movements of the 1990s, reportedly ranks highest on the shortlist of three people recommended for the running mate position to Mr Odinga by a panel he appointed to interview prospective candidates. Deputy President William Ruto, the other front-runner in the race to succeed President Kenyatta, is also believed to have at some point toyed with the idea of picking a female running mate. Matching up Ms Waiguru and Ms Karua as running mates would see them extend their fierce local rivalry to the national stage — the two having contested the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat in the 2017 election. AdvertisementThe two are likely to face off again in the Kirinyaga governor race in the event one or both of them miss out on the deputy presidential nomination.

Source: Daily Nation May 14, 2022 13:12 UTC