Political parties to give names of Eala nominees

Clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The race to determine the next Kenyan representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) has started.

The modalities for the nomination slated for tomorrow have been set.

According to the arrangement, political parties have until 9am Wednesday to return the names of their preferred nominees from 287 applicants. The candidates are expected to liaise with their preferred political parties for nomination.

Those interested in vying as independent candidates may submit their applications to the House Clerk.

Inspection of the nomination papers shall then take place on November 10 and 11 from 9am to 4pm, with the bicameral Parliament expected to vote for the nine representatives through a secret ballot on November 17.

Clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye and his National Assembly counterpart Samuel Njoroge presided over Monday's meeting attended by National Assembly Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung'wah, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Senators Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi), Dan Maanzo (Makueni) and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia who is a former Eala MP.

Kenyans in the diaspora have also expressed interest to join Eala. Kenya Patriotic Movement (Kepam), a diaspora lobby group in the US is pushing for Joseph Nyaringo's nomination by ODM.

"Nyaringo has been steadfast in the quest for good governance. From Cord, Nasa and most recently the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition. He has always been a champion for the welfare of Kenyans at home and abroad," said Dr Jeff Otieno from Atlanta, Georgia.

The lobby urged Azimio leader Raila Odinga to consider nominating a Kenyan in the diaspora to Eala to avoid losing their support to President William Ruto whom they say is fulfilling the promises he made to the diaspora community.

"ODM is likely to lose us if it continues to take the diaspora for granted. We need to see tangible gains," said Haron Ondigi who lives in Minnesota.

Eala is the independent legislative arm of the East African Community (EAC), established under the EAC Treaty.