[Former Deputy Speaker in Parliament Farah Maalim at a past function. He is in the running to be the parliamentary speaker.] (nairobinews.nation.co.ke)Former Deputy Speaker in Parliament Farah Maalim has been shortlisted for the post of Senate speaker.
Maalim unsuccessfully contested for the Garissa Township seat, which was retained by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale.
Maalim, a wiper candidate, has been critical of Duale’s leadership since he expressed interest in the seat before the last general elections.
Immediate Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has also been shortlisted for the position after he lost for Wycliffe Wangamati of Ford Kenya in one of the tightest races at the county level.
Former immediate speaker Ekwee Ethuro have also expressed his interest in the post. Others contesting for the position include Paul Gichuke, Ramesh Chandra, Wilfred Machage and James Gesami.
According to Senate Clerk, Jeremiah Nyegeye said that they have received twenty-one forms but only seven of them have been shortlisted for the post as per the Tuesday deadline.
The deputy speakers post has also attracted several candidates including Senators, Irungu Kang’ata( Murang’a), Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi).
The contest for the speaker and deputy speaker will reignite the rivalry between National Super Alliance (NASA) and Jubilee. Both political outfits are looking forward to victory in order to control the house.