CORD MPs jostle to replace Ababu Namwamba in House team

Former Chair of Public Accounts Committee Ababu Namwamba

Lobbying in the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) is in top gear for the leadership of the National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

ODM chairman John Mbadi (Suba), Nicholas Gumbo (Rarieda, ODM), Eseli Simiyu (Tongaren, Ford Kenya) and Abdikadir Aden (Balambala, ODM) are among those vying for the chairmanship of team ahead of polls on Tuesday at the main parliamentary buildings.

CORD principals Raila Odinga (ODM), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Moses Wetangula (Ford-Kenya) will meet and agree on the person who will replace Ababu Namwamba on Wednesday.

"I am in the race to be the next chair of PAC. We need dedication, maturity, humility and teamwork to bring back credibility to the committee," Mr Gumbo told The Standard.

He continued: "My record as committee chair in the 10th Parliament proves I have what it takes to restore the credibility of PAC."

Sylvance Osele (Kabondo Kasipul) argues that the seat should be given to Mbadi, saying that by virtue of his position as the ODM chairman, he is the face of Opposition in Parliament.

Osele, an ardent ally of Mbadi and who hails from the same county with Mbadi, explains that the position of the PAC chair has always been held by the leader of Opposition.

"The position of PAC chair is critical and belongs to the leader of Opposition in Parliament. Now that the CORD leader Raila is not in Parliament it's only good practice that the position is given to Mbadi who is the party's chairman," said Osele.

He continued: "Also for institutional memory, Mbadi has been in this committee and will be a great asset in steering it forward based on the tight timelines."

But a senior politician from Nyanza, who did not want to be mentioned, threw his weight behind Gumbo, saying the Rarieda lawmaker is focused and can provide oversight without being compromised.

He argues that Mbadi's plate is already full given that he is the ODM chairman. According to parliamentary practice, the chair of the powerful watchdog committee should come from the Opposition.

"I feel that Gumbo is the best person to take over the leadership of PAC. He is focused and can provide oversight without being compromised. Mbadi is already the chair of ODM and if added another responsibility will deprive the party quality time in preparation to 2017," said the MP.

He went on: "The person to be picked should be a person who is focused, competent and who can tackle the enormous task."

Kibwezi East MP Jessica Mbalu (Wiper) is also in the race to succeed Namwamba.

"Aden would have been our best candidate, but we must have regional balance. Already Adan Keynan (Eldas) is chairing the powerful Public Investment committee," another

Sources however indicate that the form PM wants Mbadi to be chair but some MPs are opposed to this. "The former PM wants Mbadi but we are opposed to it. If Mbadi cannot be changed, we shall vote for Aden as a revolt," said an MP who declined to be named.