The Kenya Kwanza Coalition on Wednesday, November 9, presented the names of former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar and former nominated Member of Parliament David Sankok as nominees for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) slots.
The two were among the 15 names presented to the joint parliamentary committee by the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung'wah and his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruyoit.
Hassan Omar was among President William Ruto's point men in the Coast region during the August General Election campaigns.
He unsuccessfully vied for the Mombasa gubernatorial seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, coming in second in the race pitting him against Abdulswamad Nassir of the Orange Democratic Movement.
The former Senator had also expressed his interest in the position of Senate of Speaker. However, he opted out of the race after the Kenya Kwanza hierarchy resolved to endorse Speaker Amason Kingi.
On his part, David Sankok was among President William Ruto's allies in the 12th parliament. He is also recognized for his efforts in mainstreaming the plight of persons with disabilities.
In the run-up to the August polls, Sankok announced that he was taking a break from elective politics to concentrate on his private business.
The fifteen will be subjected to a vetting process to arrive at the five slots set aside for the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.
ODM, on the other hand, had forwarded the names of six nominees for the EALA slots including Winnie Odinga and prominent businessman Suleiman Shahbal.
Wiper and the Jubilee Party were also expected to have one member, each in the EALA.
The election of EALA members is expected to settle the dust in a race that was highly contested. Several big names in the political contest had declared interest in the hence pitting political parties against each other.
Kenya has nine slights slots available in the Arusha-based assembly tasked with legislating laws regarding the operations of the EAC. Members of EALA work in synergy with the respective national assemblies to deliberate on matters concerning member states.
Other names presented for consideration include Salim Busidy, Yasser Bajaber, Lilian Tomitom, Cyprian Iringo, Jonas Kuko, Abdikadir Aden and Falhadha Iman.
Fredrick Charles, Joel Nyambane, Godfrey Karobia, Zipporah Kering, and Rebecca Lowoiya were also nominated for the EALA positions.
