Kalonzo, Wetang’ula pick nomination papers for National A*sembly Speaker’s post

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his Ford Kenya counterpart Moses Wetang'ula are among Kenyans who have expressed interest in the National Assembly Speaker's position, Parliament has announced.

In a statement on Monday, September 5, National Assembly Acting Clerk Serah Kioko said seven candidates have so far expressed interest in the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions.

The other candidates are former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim, Noah Winja, Jared Olouch Oundo, Isaac Alouch Polo and Robert Gichimu Githinji.

Maalim served as deputy speaker between 2008 and 2013.

Kioko said the candidates picked their nomination papers from the House on Monday, hours after the positions were advertised.

Kalonzo and Wetang'ula have been fronted by the leading coalitions, Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya and Kenya Kwanza Alliance, respectively.

The applicants are expected to return the papers by 8:30 pm Wednesday.

"Persons interested in the two positions have until Wednesday 7th September at 12.30 pm to collect nomination papers, and to return the completed nomination forms on the same day between 2.30 pm -8.30 pm."

Both the National Assembly and the Senate invited applications for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions on Monday morning following the gazettement of the first sitting by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The two Houses are scheduled to hold their first sittings on Thursday, September 8 from 9:00 am.