At least 348 Kenyans applied for the nine slots the country was allocated at the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) nominations.
However, only 287 Kenyans were shortlisted for nomination to the Arusha-based regional assembly.
However, it has emerged that close relatives of Rtd. President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have dominated the list of Kenyans shortlisted for the fifth session of EALA.
For instance, ODM leader Raila Odinga’s daughter Winnie Odinga and Jubilee party leader Uhuru Kenyatta’s younger sister Christina Pratt are among those shortlisted for the lucrative seats.
It is worth noting that veteran politician Raila Odinga’s elder brother Oburu Odinga was among the nine individuals who represented the country in the just-concluded session of EALA.
On Monday, November 7, outspoken lawyer Miguna Miguna accused the former Prime Minister of using the Luo community as a trading tool to benefit his family members.
“Raila Odinga has nominated his “daughter” Winnie to EALA. He uses Luos as his tools of the trade to benefit family members,” Miguna Miguna said.
Others shortlisted for the seat include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s son Kennedy Musyoka, who is seeking to retain the seat at the Arusha-based regional assembly.
Uhuru Kenyatta’s step-sister Christina Pratt, Raila Odinga’s last-born daughter Winnie Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka’s son Kennedy Musyoka are among the 96 eying for the four slots under the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party.
Others include former MP Naomi Shaban, Jeremiah Kioni, Jude Njomo, Kanini Kega, and KANU Secretary General Nick Salat.
Those eying the seat under President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza include former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, former Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Rep Jane Chebaibai, and her Laikipia counterpart Cate Waruguru.
The election to fill up the nine slots will be held on Thursday, November 17, in Parliament.
