Source: The Star
Kanu's Sarah Talaso Bonaya is the only Kenyan MP out of the nine who served in the second EALA to make a return to the regional parliament during yesterday's election. Talaso received 125 votes, the highest tally of the day, making a rare history of being the first Kenyan to serve at the regional parliament for two consecutive terms.
A total of 140 MPs cast their votes during the exercise, and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Patrick Gichohi, who was the returning officer, declared 10 ballots spoilt. "I am satisfied the election has complied with the constitution and the East African Treaty, more so Article 50. The elections were held and conducted within the parameters of the rules and regulations enacted by this House," said the House Speaker, Ken Marende.
However, the process had to undergo a repeat process after two candidates under the Narc Kenya cluster tied in an exercise conducted during a special session of the House yesterday. Catherine Kimura, who is the outgoing EALA member and Abubakar Abdi Ogle of Narc Kenya, tied with 58 votes, forcing Marende to call for a repeat poll.
The rules governing the election provide that in the event of a tie, the Speaker of the National Assembly of partner states will decide on the mode of unlocking the tie. Marende responded by caling for a repeat poll involving the two candidates. Peter Mutuku Mathuki of Wiper Democratic Party received 58 votes and got the nod ahead of Jennifer Chepkwemoi Masis and Abubakar Ahmed Talib, both who received 52 and 20 votes, respectively.
ODM will be represented by Joseph Kiangoi, Nancy Lunga'hi Abisai, Judith Pareno, Mumbi Ngaru and Abubakar Zein who received 108, 106, 76, 76 and 70 votes respectively. Saoli Ole Nkanae will represent PNU. Catherine Kimura's attempt to have a second stint at Arusha suffered when she lost to Abubakar Ogle during the repeat poll late yesterday evening. Ogle received 81 votes against Kimura's 25.
ODM chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo welcomed the election noting that it marked a milestone in the country's democratic process. "The rules were stringent, but it was necesary in view of our history. We applaud the Clerk for this milestone." Each of the EAC Partner States -Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi will elect nine MPs to represent them at the third Assembly which will be inaugurated on June 5. The term of the current 52 member East African (EAC) assembly expires on June 4 and a new Parliament is scheduled for inauguration on June 5.