• Korir who lost the Cherangany MP seat to Patrick Simiyu is fronted by President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.
• The other main contender is city lawyer Edward Waswa fronted by DAP-K, associated by former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa.
Former Cherangany MP Wesley Korir and Nairobi-based lawyer Edward Waswa are among nine aspirants for speaker o the Trans Nzoia County Assembly.
Korir held the Cherangany Parliamentary seat between 2013 and 2017 when he lost to former MP Joshua Kutuny.
Kutuny had served from 2007 and 2013 before Korir took over. Both Korir and Kutuny were defeated by Patrick Simiyu who won the seat in the August polls.
Korir is eyeing the speaker's seat and is backed by President William Ruto's UDA.
Korir is among those who returned their applications by Saturday.
Nairobi lawyer Edward Waswa is among the contenders, according to a list by the assembly.
Waswa is being fronted by Democratic Action Party of Kenya DAP-K, which is associated with former Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa.
By Saturday, six candidates had submitted their nomination papers to Assembly Clerk Moses Wanjala Lupao.
Former Speakers David Sifuna Mukinisu, popularly known as Owapapa, and Joshua Motto Werunga were among those who submitted applications tseeking a comeback.
Others were former Trans Nzoia Finance CEC Andrew Wanyonyi.
Korir is considered the favourite due to Kenya Kwanza's numbers in the House. His bid has sparked questions as another UDA candidate, Bishop Julius Mbagaya, said he is better qualified.
Matisi MCA-elect Obed Mwale Mahanga is the only one who expressed interest in the position of deputy speaker by Sundays deadline. He is serving his second term.
MCAs convene for the first sitting on Tuesday to take their oath of office, then elect their speaker, deputy speaker and committee chairpersons.
Addressing reporters on Saturday, Korir expressed confidence he would win.
"We have the numbers and are ready to face our challengers," Korir said.
Korir was supported by Kapomboi MCA-elect Kefa Were, Waitaluk MCA-elect Lusweti Furaha, Matisi MCA-elect Obed Mwale Mahanga and many other Kenya Kwanza MCAs.
Lawyer Waswa said determination, hard and smart work, commitment and resilience were the qualities needed by a good speaker.
"I have what it takes to take this legislative house to the next level," he told reporters on Sunday.
Former Kakamega county assembly Clerk Patrick Wafula Kamwessar also presented his application papers.
"I am the most qualified of all those who have expressed interest and I have what it takes," he said.
Philemon Ng’etich, Tonny Wamocha wekesi and Emmanuel Wanjala also presented their applications.
To win in the first round, a candidate must garner at least 22 votes in the assembly of 33 MCAs.
If it goes to a second round, the top two will face each other in a runoff; a simple majority is required to win.
(Edited by V. Graham)