URP threatens to oppose EALA nominations

By ALLAN KISIA
United Republican Party (URP) has vowed to oppose nominees to the East Africa Legislative Assembly ( EALA) if it is not consulted by ODM ans PNU.

Eldoret North MP William Ruto said the two parties must consult his URP party before nominating representatives to avoid a controversy.

Most URP members and supporters were in ODM before they ditched the Orange party to join Ruto’s outfit.

Belgut MP Charles Keter also said URP must be involved in the nomination process.

“If they bring names that URP had no input in, they should be certainly sure that they will not be passed,” said Mr Keter.

He added that Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi’s United Democratic Forum should also be consulted as some of its members were previously in ODM and PNU.

Information Minister Samuel Poghisio echoed the sentiments.

“There should also be a deliberate effort to include minority communities in the nominations,” Poghisio added.

helping students
The MPs made the remarks at a Nairobi hotel during a fundraiser in aid of four university students from Dujis Constituency. The students, who are from needy backgrounds, are studying medicine.

Moyale MP Mohamud Ali argued that ODM must consult because it has since lost a number of MPs, who have joined other parties.

ODM and PNU have since started the process of nominating their representatives to the EALA.
The applications were handed over to Government chief whips Jakoyo Midiwo (ODM) and Johnstone Muthama (PNU) by Clerk of the National Assembly Patrick Gichohi.

The two will nominate nine members who will represent the country at EALA from June.
The positions attracted a record 117 candidates with ODM having 65 while 47 applicants were from PNU.