- Kenyans in the diaspora have also expressed interest to have one of their own join Eala.
- Election for the nine individuals to represent Kenya in Eala will be by secret ballot on November 17 in Parliament.
Image: FILE
Azimio bigwigs who lost in the August 9 election or played roles in the coalition’s presidential campaigns are now banking on the East African Legislative Assembly for political salvation.
The politicians are on the list of 287 individuals shortlisted for nomination to the fifth session EALA.
EALA is the independent legislative arm of the East African Community, established under the EAC Treaty.
As Azimio big shots cross their fingers, Kenyans in the diaspora have also expressed interest to join Eala.
Kenya Patriotic Movement, a diaspora lobby group in the US wants ODM to rally its members to back Joseph Nyaringo.
“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,” Jeff Otieno from Atlanta, Georgia, who is an official of Kenya Patriotic Movement said.
KEPAM is a diaspora lobby which unites Kenyans at home and abroad on several causes associated with the quest for justice, equity, equality, and fair play in the pursuit of public opportunities.
Already, clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge and his Senate counterpart Jeremiah Nyegenye have presented the 287 names to the National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Leader of Minority Opiyo Wandayi.
Former Kieni MP Kanini Kega is among those hoping to land a seat in EALA. Kega, who has served for two terms, is seeking a comeback in politics after the UDA wave in Mt Kenya swept him aside.
The Jubilee director of elections was floored by UDA’s Njoroge Wainaina.
Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni who lost his Ndaragwa seat to UDA’s George Gachagwa, is also eying a position in EALA.
Other Azimio bigwigs eying positions in EALA are former Wajir Woman Rep Fatuma Gedi, former Taita Taveta MP Naomi Shaban, Kanu secretary general Nick Salat, Kanu chairman and former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and former Baringo Woman Rep Gladwell Cheruiyot.
Also on the list are Former Busia senator Amos Wako, former assistant minister Alfred Khang’ati, Raila’s daughter Winnie Odinga and former Kwale County Woman Rep Zuleikha Hassan
Former Shinyalu MP Silverse Anami, former Kitutu Masaba MP Timothy Bosire, former Nominated MP Dennitah Ghati, former Shinyalu Justus Kizito, former assistant minister Elizabeth Ongoro, former Matuga MP Chirau Ali Mwakwere and EALA MP Kennedy Kalonzo are also eying seats.
Meanwhile, KEPAM has told Azimio leader Raila Odinga to urge Azimio MPs to consider 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,” Haron Ondigi who lives in Minnesota said.
The election for the nine individuals to represent Kenya in EALA will be by secret ballot on November 17 in Parliament.