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Lobbying has intensified for key positions in County Assemblies which are scheduled to begin sittings after the swearing in of governors tomorrow.

The main targets are the seats of Speaker, Leader of Majority, Deputy Speaker, Leader of Minority and the Whips.

Rivalry between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja is already playing out in the contest for the seats.

Filling the positions will also be a balancing act between rewarding loyalty, power distribution in regions and accommodating losers in the recent elections.

For example, Azimio-One Kenya is in a dilemma on who will be the Speaker of the Kakamega County Assembly.

All the four candidates who have declared their interest in the seat are allied to the coalition.

At least 49 out of 60 MCAs are members of parties under Azimio leaving Kenya Kwanza with 11. 

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has been accused of favouring some candidates, accusations that  he has dismissed.

“All are my children and I can only guide them while I wish victory for the best,” he told People Daily.

Those in the race include Brian Lishenga who unsuccessfully vied for the Kakamega Senate seat on the ODM ticket. Another candidate is Ben Omboko who was re-elected as Kisa West MCA.

Seeking re-election

Sources told People Daily that the governor was pushing for consensus amid reports that they were considering Nanyuki Boys High School Principal Oliver Minishi as a compromise pick.

In Kiambu, outgoing Senator Isaac Mwaura and incumbent Stephen Ndicho are among those interested in the Speaker’s seat.

Others are former Speaker Gathii Irungu and Kabete parliamentary election loser Charles Gitau (Independent).

Ndicho also confirmed he will be defending the seat. 

“I will be seeking re-election. I am meeting MCAs to explain to them why I deserve the position but they are the ones who will ultimately make the decision,” he said.

In Nyamira, the post of Speaker has attracted 18 applicants, including outgoing Speaker Mofat Teya, former members of the County Assembly and parliamentary election losers.

Former Nyansiongo Ward MCA Jackson Mogusu, his Manga Ward counterpart Enock Okero and North Mugirango parliamentary election loser Nyangau Atebe also want the position.

But Nyamira Governor-elect Amos Nyaribo said a decision had been reached on who will be the Speaker.

“We want a person who can make our dreams and agenda in the Assembly realized, not one who is fighting and undermining us,” Nyaribo said.

In Kwale, six contestants have shown interest in the speakership.

They include incumbent Sammy Ruwa, former Kinango MP Benjamin Tayari, Dennis Mutui, Kwale County Government legal advisor Salim Gombeni and Patrick Mangale. Kenya Kwanza has a majority (11) of the 20 elected members in the County Assembly.

Vanga Ward MCA Yusuf Mbwana said since two candidates from Kenya Kwanza have shown interest in the seat, there is need for a compromise to avoid a loss.

“Tayari and Gombeni are both Kenya Kwanza candidates. They need to talk and one of them must agree to step down for the other or else both of them will lose,” Mbwana said.

In Kajiado, three people aspire for the Speaker’s seat. Azimio faction is yet to settle on its preferred candidate between Koin Lompo Papaa, a lawyer, and Deputy County Assembly Speaker Kipampi Ntele.

Kenya Kwanza intends to present former Ewuaso Kidong’ MCA Justus Ngussur.

UDA has majority of MCAs in the Assembly (13), while ODM has eight and Wiper party two. 

Lompo lost the Kajiado East parliamentary seat ODM ticket to Kakuta Maima in the nominations.

MCA caucuses

Clan dynamics are likely to play a defining role in the choice of Speaker in Kisii. 

Governor-elect Simba Arati has promised to include all clans in his administration. Kerosi Ondieki, who was the pioneer Speaker, says Bomachoge clan had been allocated the position.

“Candidates from the Bomachoge clan will be vetted for the best to be picked to lead the Assembly for five years,” Ondieki said on phone yesterday.

He said parties affiliated to Azimio have 33 Ward Reps. ODM is leading with 12 members.

In Narok, Kenya Kwanza Alliance is dominant with 15 elected MCAs against the Azimio’s 11.

Three other members of the County Assembly were elected on an Independent ticket while Ololmasani Ward is yet to elect a representative after one of the candidates died before the elections.

“We are starting the MCAs caucuses on Wednesday where we will be negotiating and campaigning amongst ourselves for these positions. After the swearing in of the governor, the focus will be on the County Assembly to fill these positions,” said Wilson Murguiya Oropil MCA-elect who wants to be Leader of Minority.

In Siaya, former Speaker George Okode is lobbying for re-election  with the backing of Governor-elect James Orengo.

Okode is facing opposition from lawyer George Mugoye.

Others are Vincent Orwenjo from Alego and MJ Okumu who hails from Ugunja. 

There is a feeling that since Orengo comes from Ugenya, Woman Rep comes from Gem and Deputy Governor is from Alego, the Speaker should be from Uyoma/Rarieda.

In Kisumu, the Speaker race pits former Speaker Elisha Oraro, former Majority leader Samwel Ongou and a chief officer Alphonce Ouya.

Ouya and Ongou are close allies of Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o while Deputy Governor Mathews Owili is campaigning for Oraro’s re-election.

“We have the numbers,’’ said Ouya who has teamed up with Nyakach Central MCA Vincent Odhiambo, who is going for Leader of Majority slot.

Odhiambo termed their combination a sure win.  “We will carry the day. We have mobilised 28 out of the 35 MCAs,’’ said Odhiambo.

In Migori, lawyer Gradus Oluoch is the candidate to watch. Oluoch, who is from Rongo constituency, has got the backing of most of ODM members.  Like Siaya, Migori County, faces a regional power balance matrix. 

Given that the governor hails from Awendo constituency, some want the Speaker to be picked from Rongo.

Nyatike Constituency produced the Woman Rep (Fatuma Mohammed) while Kuria have the Deputy Governor (Mahiri Mwita). Senator-elect Eddy Oketch hails from Uriri. For balance, pundits say the Speaker’s slot should go to Rongo or Suna West or East. 

—Reports by Oliver Musembi, Denis Lumiti, Munira Mandano, Christine Musa, Robert Ochoro, Kepher Otieno, Evans Nyakundi and George Sayagie