UDA courts independents in bid to control city assembly

"We are the party with the majority in terms of numbers but as a coalition we are yet to get the numbers to rival the other side," Central Ward Member-elect Mwaniki Kwenya (UDA) said.

"From our side, we are still talking to the independent members to ensure that the governor will work very well with them; Azimio has numbers but at the moment people are not looking at parties but leaders who can give them best services," he added.

The assembly has three members who were elected on independent tickets.

Karura Ward MCA Kamau Thuo said Azimio has 45 members and will it will be hard to deny them the speaker's seat.

"We have the numbers and we are confident that the speaker seat is ours for the taking," said Mr Thuo.

Jubilee Party has five members, Wiper four and Chama Cha Kazi one.

All the members from the 85 wards are undergoing a two-day orientation which started yesterday and ends today at the assembly buildings ahead of the first sitting.

The exercise includes registration of members, collection of bio-data, briefing on the use of the chamber voting system and tour of assembly chambers and offices.

"The services and facilities available include medical insurance and other related services and benefits," Nairobi County Clerk Edward Gichana said.

Mr Gichana clarified that members who were been re-elected will also be taken through the orientation.

Some of the documents that the MCAs are required to carry include national ID card or passport, KRA pin, last pay certificate, personal bank account numbers and certificate of persons living with disabilities.

Others are copies of updated CV and original certificate of the elected member issued by IEBC Returning Officer.

Maringo/ Hamza Ward MCA-elect Patrick Macharia is upbeat that the Third assembly will be peaceful.

"It is my first time and I expect to learn a lot, for instance house standing orders. Away from the session, I'm looking forward to calm at the assembly so that we can serve our people," said Mr Macharia.

"I bring on board experience from the health sector and given a chance, I will share my ideas on how to streamline this critical sector," Mr Macharia added.