Six candidates have expressed interest in the position of speaker of the Kiambu County assembly.
The six include former Kihara Ward MCA aspirant Josphat Kamanya, former Githunguri MP Aspirant Charles Thiong'o, former Limuru Central MCA Njenga Murugami, Charles Chege who unsuccessfully vied for the Kabete parliamentary seat, Kiambu branch Law Society of Kenya chairman Daniel Mwangi and Daniel Gachau from Thika town.
Also said to be in the race is former speaker Irungu Gathii who serves as secretary general of the Tujibebe Wakenya Party.
Thiong’o and Kamanya were key campaigners for UDA in Kiambu and they hail from Githunguri and Kiambaa respectively and they are banking on the endorsement of the UDA party.
Speaking to Star during an interview, Charles Thiong'o said that he has extensively lobbied members of the county assembly and he is optimistic that he will be elected.
The assembly will convene on September 21 at 9 am for the first sitting following the recent gazettement.
Thiong’o said that being a lawyer, he understands better the way legal frameworks that govern the assembly leadership works.
He denied allegations that he is being fronted by Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi.
“So many stories have been going around, that governor Wamatangi is behind my bid but I would like to state that I’m on my own, and I'm sure that the assembly members will support me," he said.
Josphat Kamanya also expressed confidence that he will be elected as a speaker to ensure regional balance in County leadership.
He noted that he has lobbied for the votes from elected leaders from affiliate parties of Kenya Kwanza.
He says he has political experience and the political know-how to run the assembly business effectively.
“I have continued working with the party and championing its development agenda in Kiambu and beyond,” he said.
Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) had won all parliamentary seats in Kiambu County as well as the majority in the County assembly.
Political analyst Charles Munyui has said that the issue of regional balance will be determined by those who have expressed their interest in the seat.
He noted that since the UDA party has a majority, they will have a voice to determine who will be the next speaker.
“It’s natural to expect regional balance in national politics but it's hard on County matters. What is needed is for the speaker who will transact County businesses without favour,” Munyui said.
He said that the position requires a lot of lobbying and convincing and whoever does it better stand a chance to be elected.
According to Gitothua MCA, John Njogu popularly known as the coach said they will elect a speaker who will push their agenda and act as a link between the executive and legislature.
He said that they will check for a candidate who has the capability and honesty and someone who can lead independently.
“We will elect a candidate who will ensure the smooth running of the assembly and who will act as a link between the governor and the assembly, “he said.
A section of Kiambu Members of County Assembly (MCAs) elects during a press briefing in Limuru last month had earlier warned Governor Kimani Wamatangi against interfering with the affairs of the Assembly.
The MCAs alleged that the governor intends to influence the selection of the County Assembly's House business leadership by planting his cronies.
They alleged that, even before they are sworn in, the governor has already put up his lineup without involving them warning that the same will expose him to untold rebellion.
Kiambu County has 12 constituencies and 60 wards with West constituencies comprising Limuru, Kiambu Town, Kiambaa, Kabete, Lari, Kikuyu, and Githunguri.
Kiambu East has Thika Town, Juja, Ruiru, Gatundu South, and Gatundu North.
Komothai MCA-elect Wanyutu Waweru of Chama Cha Kazi said that the ward reps will accord the governor ample time to deliver services to residents.