Kioni Among Jubilee Picks For EALA MP

The former ruling party, Jubilee, has submitted its list of nominees to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

Among them include Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and former Kieni MP Kanini Kega.

In a letter to the National Assembly on Wednesday, November 9, the former President Uhuru Kenyatta-led party also submitted former Kigumo MP Ruth Mwaniki's name for consideration.

"In response to a letter received from your office dated 7th November 2022, requesting Jubilee Party to present three names for the election of the 5th Kenya East Africa Legislative Assembly Members, Jubilee Party has nominated Hon. Jeremiah Kioni, Hon. Kanini Kega and Ruth Mwaniki," read the letter by Kioni.

The United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA) unveiled 15 names for the EALA position. They include former nominated Member of Parliament (MP) David Sankok, Mombasa Gubernatorial Aspirant Hassan Omar, Rebecca Merikeju Lowoiya and Zipporah Kering.

Godfrey Maina Karobia, Joel Okengo Nyambane, Fredrick Muteti Charles, Falhadha Dekow Iman, and Dr Abdikadir Omar Aden were also named.

Others include Anne Too, Jonas Misto V. Kuko, Cyprian Kubai Iringo, Lilian Cheptoo Tomitom, Yasser Ali Sheikh Bajaber, and Salim Mohammed Busidy.

Meanwhile, former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, who unsuccessfully vied for the Baringo Senatorial race, pulled out of the EALA race to allow other legislators to be nominated by Azimio la Umoja.

"Moi has since withdrawn his candidature so as to give the opportunity to the other candidates. He wishes them the best of luck in their endeavours," KANU Secretary of Political Affairs Fred Okango confirmed the decision of the chairman.

Moi was nominated for the position alongside former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's daughter Winnie Odinga, former Mombasa gubernatorial aspirant Suleiman Shahbal and former Shinyalu MP Justus Kizito.

Others who were featured in the list released by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Wednesday, November 9, included former Kitutu Masaba MP Timothy Bosire and Former Turkana Water and Irrigation CEC Beatrice Askul. 

While defending the nominated candidates, ODM stated that the process was overseen by top party officials who reduced the list to the final six.