17/11/2022
The Senate has completed electing the nine members who will represent Kenya in the 5th East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in Arusha.
In the final results announced by Speaker Amason Kingi, former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, who is a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) garnered 46 out of the votes cast in the 67-member chamber.
EALA is the legislative arm of the East African Community (EAC). It was established in 2001 and its mandate includes legislation, representation and oversight. It is constituted of nine elected members from each of the Partner States.
Article 49 of the East African Community Treaty provides that the responsibilities of the East African Legislative Assembly are to "be the legislative organ of the Community", "liaise with the National Assemblies of the Partner States on matters relating to the Community", "debate and approve the budget of the Community.
UDA party, which is led by President William Ruto has been allocated five out of the nine slots available to Kenya while the the opposition, Azimio la Umoja Coalition, has four seats.
Ms Iman Falhada, who served in the Senate between 2017/22, received 43 votes, Mr Fred Muteti garnered 39 votes, Zipporah Kerring 37 votes, David Sankok 35 votes while Mwangi Maina received 29 votes.
Mr Abdikadir Adan, who is a current member of EALA received 12 votes, Mr Iringo Kubai garnered 12 votes. Mr Joel Okengo garnered 2 votes, Sheikh Ali 2 votes and Lilian Tomitom 2 votes.
In the votes cast in favour of the Azimio candidates, Mr Kennedy Kalonzo received 45 votes to emerge the top among the Azimio candidates. Mombasa businessman Suleiman Shahbal received 38 votes while Winnie Odinga garnered 35 votes.
Former Wajir County Woman Representative Fatuma Gedi received 31 votes while Kanini Kega, who served as Kieni MP in the 12th Parliament, garnered 29 votes.
Others on the opposition ticket, which includes ODM, Jubilee and Wiper Democratic party, are Mohamed Diriye (4 votes), Tim