•Marende said the nomination came as a surprise to him since he was not aware of it.
•The position is currently being held by Ken Lusaka who is currently eyeing for the Bungoma governor seat.
Image: MARTIN OMBIMA
The former Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende has welcomed the move by ODM leader Raila Odinga to propose him as the Speaker of the Senate if he wins the presidency in the August 9, polls.
While speaking to the Star via the phone, Marende said the nomination came as a surprise to him since he was not aware of it.
The position is currently being held by Ken Lusaka who is currently eyeing for Bungoma governor seat.
“I did not know that I was going to be proposed as the senate speaker by Raila Odinga in the Azimio government,” Marende said.
“Since I believe in devolution, maybe they have accessed my competence, capacity, and ability and they have decided that I have a contribution that I can make by leading the Senate to oversee the operations of devolved units."
The former speaker won the admiration of many Kenyans with his wise rulings as speaker of the National Assembly in the grand coalition government that was managed by the late president Mwai Kibaki and Raila after the disputed 2007/2008 elections
Raila nominated Marende as the Senate speaker while unveiling Narc Kenya leader as his running mate.
Marende said he was going about his activities when he received information that he had been selected for the post.
“I was quiet on my activities at home only to receive a phone call from a friend who informed me of the developments,” he said.
Marende said he is ready to honour Raila’s wish and serve Kenyans as the senate speaker the moment he is granted the opportunity.
He said it will be a privilege to serve Kenyans in that capacity.
Marende who is a member of Azimio through the DAP-K party was eyeing the Vihiga governor seat.
“Kenyan constitution is very clear you can’t hold two posts so it’s either Speaker position or gubernatorial position but I can’t ignore our coalition leader,” Marende said.
Marende had officially launched his governor seat bid and unveiled his running mate Humphrey Kisia.
He said he will have to assess the situation before making a sober decision.
Marende who is vying for Vihiga gubernatorial seat on DAP-K is facing the incumbent governor Wilber Ottichilo of ODM, former governor Moses Akaranga PPOK, Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi ANC, Francis Ominde FPK, and current Deputy governor Patrick Saisi of the Equitable party.