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The battle for control of Nairobi City County Assembly is shaping out to be between Azimio and United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

With the House expected to have its first sitting any time next week, lobbying for top positions has intensified.

Already, the battle for the Speaker’s post has narrowed down to a fight between incumbent Benson Mutura and former Deputy Speaker Ken Ngondi. UDA has fronted Mutura while Azimio backs Ngondi.

The contest is panning out to be a game of numbers between UDA and Azimio and the level of lobbying each side is willing to do to tip the scales in its favour.

Yesterday, Governor Johnson Sakaja (pictured) met Azimio MCAs where he persuaded them to back Mutura’s quest to retain the seat.

Political divide

 Sakaja also promised to work seamlessly with the MCAs no matter their political divide.

“ I had great discussions with MCAs from Azimio. We will continue to work closely together for the great people of Nairobi,” he said.

Azimio has a slight edge over its political rival with 44 MCAs. The Orange party leads the coalition with 34 MCAs. Jubilee has six while Wiper has four.

 Kenya Kwanza has 36 MCAs in its fold with UDA having 35 Ward Reps and Chama Cha Kazi bringing in Mutuini MCA Martin Mbugua.

 Two MCAs are independents.

MCAs from Kenya Kwanza, who spoke to People Daily said they are lobbying and were confident of capturing the Speaker’s seat.

“From our side, we are still talking to the independent members to ensure that governor will work very well with them; Azimio has numbers but at the moment people are not looking at parties but leaders who can give them best services,” Central Ward MCA Mwaniki Kwenya (UDA) said.

 For one to be elected Speaker, the candidate must garner support of two-thirds of MCAs.