Winnie Odinga's hopes of becoming a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) were on Tuesday, November 15, dented after United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Senators vowed to ensure that she loses the chance.
Led by Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei, UDA senators wondered why Winnie was given a chance which should have been granted to 'more deserving' members of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
"Winnie Odinga wants to be an EALA member simply because of her second name, just like Kalonzo's son. They should stop lecturing us about democracy when they practise the worst form of it," Cherargei asserted.
The senator noted that no one should be allowed to use their second-name as a ticket to climbing the ladder of leadership.
On their part, Azimo lawmakers defended Winnie's ambitions, noting that no one should be judged harshly because of his or her family background.
"Every Kenyan has got a right. We never choose to be born in rich or poor families, we're all Kenyans. When we come here let us respect each other, give each other an opportunity and God will select the best person to represent us," Ledama Ole Kina noted.
On Wednesday, November 9, ODM sent to the Senate a list of names of persons who had been nominated to the EALA.
On the list was Winnie, Raila Odinga's daughter, and Mombasa businessman, Suleiman Shahbal, who were listed among the six nominees.
"ODM Selection Committee, presided by deputy party leader, Wycliffe Oparanya, met yesterday, Tuesday, November 8, and nominated the following to EALA.
"Suleiman Shahbal (Mombasa), Mohammed Diriye (Wajir) Winnie Odinga (Nairobi), Timothy Bosire (Nyamira), Beatrice Askul (Turkana) and Justus Kizito (Kakamega)," ODM announced.
Winnie has been camping at Parliament buildings to rally lawmakers to support her bid for the seat.
On Thursday, November 10, Winnie revealed that she visited the premises daily since her nomination by the ODM party.
The Senate will vote for or against the nominees before the end of this week.
