The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is an organ of the East African Community that comprises of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.
It has been the latest cause of trouble between the Jubilee Party and the Opposition as most of the politicians who lost during nominations are seeking various posts in the Assembly.
Being a member of EALA has several benefits including; a monthly gross salary of Sh1.4 Million inclusive of allowances, a vehicle provided by the mother country, a free visit to member countries and travel allowances.
The legislators will also be free from the pressure of constituents and their work will mostly revolve around budget-making processes and formulation of legislation to govern the East African Community.
Read Also: Aden Duale to Lead National Assembly in Rejecting Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka Nominees to EALA
The assembly has a membership comprising nine members elected by each Partner State; ex-officio members consisting of the Minister or Assistant Minister responsible for the East African Community Affairs from each Partner State; the Secretary General and the Counsel to the Community.
Currently, the Assembly has 45 elected Members; and 7 ex-officio Members totaling to a Membership of 52 – twenty of whom are female.
Meanwhile, controversy rages on after the Opposition nominated Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s son Kennedy Kalonzo to join the EALA.
Those opposed to the nomination of Kennedy argue that he was favoured because he is a kin of the party leader, a position that has been dismissed by Wiper deputy leader Farah Maalim.
