Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has withdrawn his candidature for the Public Investments Committee (PIC) chairmanship to campaign for the vice chair position.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislator, along with his counterpart from Budalangi, Raphael Wanjala, stepped down and left Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff to lobby for the position as the only ODM candidate.
Two other candidates from the Opposition coalition have also expressed interest in leading the committee which has caused tension within the National Super Alliance (NASA).
Wiper party's Rashid Kassim Amin (Wajir East) and Amani National Congress (ANC) candidate Tindi Mwale (Butere) are poised to take the seat, as NASA MPs decry tyranny from ODM which so far has the most slots in the Opposition leadership in Parliament.
[caption caption="File image of MP Babu Owino with Siaya Senator James Orengo"]
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Minority Leader and ODM Chairman John Mbadi defended the party's position explaining that there was an understanding between key coalition leaders regarding the PIC chairmanship.
Mr Mbadi outlined that there's a standing agreement that the post should go to a coast region MP following claims from the region that they were being sidelined.
He, however, disclaimed that the deal may not materialise because the coalition cannot force MPs on how to vote.
The Butere legislator has dismissed the claim by the Minority Leader hinting that the stakeholders were not going to honour such a commitment.
"There is no agreement in NASA that the PIC chairman should come from the Coast region.
"If such an agreement existed, then Mr Sakwa Bunyasi would have been elected the chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC)," Mr Mwale explained.
Narok North MP Moitalel ole Kenta reiterated the sentiment stating: "These positions should not be the preserve of an individual or party."
On his part, the Mvita legislator has remained optimistic that his efforts will bear fruit.
"I have been lobbying; let’s just wait for tomorrow (Wednesday). My machinery has been on the ground and so far so good," he stated.
[caption caption="Suna East MP Junet Mohamed with Mvita MP Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir"]
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