Parties directed to submit EALA candidates' names

Party leaders have until Thursday to submit nomination papers for the candidates they intend to nominate to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

Those who desire to serve in the EALA as independent candidates will also be submitting their nomination papers on the same day at County Hall’s Mini Chamber.

“Considering the strict timelines within which the election process ought to be finalised, I urge the Leaders of the Majority and Minority Parties in the National Assembly to liaise with their Senate counterparts with a view to timeously submit names of their nominees to the Presiding Officers, who are the Clerks of the two Houses of Parliament.

“For clarity, Thursday has been appointed as the nomination day on which Party Leaders will submit nomination papers of their candidates,” reads a notice from National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi.

After the names are presented, the presiding officers will appoint and gazette the day and venue for elections. The date is not more than 14 days after the nomination day.

“Joint Committee will consider the nominees and table a Report thereto in both Houses of Parliament,” Speaker Muturi said.

Those eyeing the EALA nomination through President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party are Julius Kones, who lost in the Bomet primaries, and ex-Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua. The party has five of the available nine slots.

ODM frontrunners for the EALA are National Elections Board chairperson Judith Pareno and Raila Odinga’s long-time think tank member Abubakar Zein, each of whom is seeking a second term. Silas Jakakimba have also applied.