Ruto group in plot to reject ODM nominees
MPs will elect their regional Parliament counterparts on Thursday even as a showdown looms over the nominations of ODM candidates.
The 21 nominees to the East African Legislative Assembly will on Wednesday be vetted by the parliamentary Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations, which will submit a report to Parliament.
ODM presented nine while PNU presented 12 nominees to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Patrick Gichohi, last Friday ahead of Wednesday’s vetting.
Parliament will vote by secret ballot in a special session on Thursday afternoon to pick the nine Kenyan representatives to the regional legislative assembly.
Intense lobbying has been going on since the elections were announced.
The election is expected to be stormy following a threat by Eldoret North MP William Ruto and his supporters to reject the ODM list, saying they were not consulted. (READ: ODM on the spot over EALA nominees)
ODM lived up to its promise to reward its loyal supporters in the nomination.
One of the party’s nominees is Nancy Kabeyeka Lungiahi Abisai, an ODM official and opponent of Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi from his Sabatia constituency.
Also in the running is Ronald Ngeny, a close ally of Prime Minister Raila Odinga from Bomet County which is in Mr Ruto’s stronghold.
Party whip Jakoyo Midiwo has, however, said they do not expect any opposition to the ODM list, which includes former MPs Peter Odoyo, Immanuel Ichor Imana, Joseph Kiangoi and veteran party official Mumbi Ng’aru.
PNU list
The nominees were endorsed by ODM’s Parliamentary Group on Thursday night.
PNU’s list comprises candidates from its six main affiliate parties — Kanu, ODM-Kenya, Narc-Kenya, PNU, Ford Kenya and DP.
They are Mr Charles Lokioto Ewoi, Mr Saoli ole Nkanae, Mr Mohammed Sheikh Adan, Ms Sarah Talaso Bonaya, Mr Peter Mutuku Mathuki, Mr Ahmed Talib Abubakar and Ms Jenifer Chepkwemoi Masis, Ms Tawhida Ramadhani Juma, Mr Abubakar Abdi Ogle and Ms Catherime Ngima Kimura.
Other ODM nominees are Ms Judith Ramaita Nayiai, Mr Zein Abubakar and Mr Junet Nuh Mohamed.
