The contest for Nairobi County Assembly Speaker seat has heated up with two new entrants from the Jubilee party having declared their interest on Tuesday.
Immediate former Makadara Parliamentarian Benson Mutura and former Nairobi Woman Representative aspirant Karen Nyamu have joined the race for the top county seat.
A total of 10 candidates are said to be currently lobbying among the Jubilee dominated, 85-seat County Assembly.
Others seeking the position are: outgoing Woman Representative Rachel Shebesh, Augustine Kamande Kamau, who lost during the Jubilee Party primaries in Roysambu Constituency, deputy Speaker Ken Ngondi (allied to ODM), county public service board Vice Chairman Vesca Kangongo, outgoing Karura MCA Kamau Thuo, Mohammed Abdi, Abbas Khalif (businessman) and county Chief of Staff George Wainaina.
Deputy President William Ruto is said to have met with Mr Mutura and urged him to go for the seat, the People Daily reports.
Mutura lost his Makadara seat to former city Mayor George Aladwa who had 45,516 votes against his 41,125 votes.
Ms Nyamu has expressed confidence of a win citing her loyalty to the ruling party, having campaigned for Governor-elect Mike Sonko and her career as a lawyer as her strongest assets.
"Yes, I have expressed interest in the position. I am also lobbying and campaigning, just like other aspirants. As for being a front runner, it is too early to say so, but watch this space," Nyamu confirmed to the Daily Nation on Tuesday.
