The East African Legislative Assembly during a past session. [Photo/Nation]

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Former Kamukunji MP aspirant Simon Mbugua has expressed optimism that he will sail through the National Assembly successfully to be nominated to the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA).

Parliament is expected to vote on Thursday to approve for the 9 nominees that will represent Kenya at the Arusha based assembly.

“I have delivered before when I was an MP. The race is competitive, but I am confident of being picked,” Mbugua told the Star on Monday.

The candidates, the Star adds, have been busy selling their agenda to the lawmakers and the lobbying is expected to go a notch higher on Wednesday when Parliament holds its second last sitting before breaking for a long recess on Thursday.

The Joint Parliamentary Select Committee on EALA has pushed the 12th Parliament to speed up the process.

“The Assembly cannot be inaugurated without representation from any of the partner states, Kenya should not hold the Assembly,” committee co-chair Katoo ole Metito says.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (Jubilee) and Raila Odinga (NASA), through their coalitions, have fronted 14 and 11 nominees respectively.

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka’s son, Kennedy, is also in the running. Former MPs Abdikadir Aden (Balambala), Oburu Odinga (Bondo)Fatuma Ibrahim (Wajir), Wanjiku Muhia (Nyandarua) and Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East).

Others include Abdilaziz Ali Farah (Mandera East) and Mohammed Noor (Mandera North) are also in the list of nominees. Ex-Clerk of the National Assembly Justin Bundi is also eyeing a slot.