Kajiado Speaker race reduced to supremacy battle between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza
The battle for the Kajiado County Assembly Speaker has now been reduced to two candidates after the other two failed to return their application papers.
Koin Lompo a lawyer by profession and Justus Ngussur a two-term former MCA of Ewuaso Kidong' of Azimio and Kenya Kwanza coalition respectively will face each other on Wednesday after the swearing-in of MCAs who will thereafter convene to vote for the speaker and deputy speaker.
While Kenya Kwanza commands a majority of elected ward reps at 13 out of 25, clannism, age set and governor Joseph Ole Lenku influence are some of the determinant factors likely to tilt the outcome.
Lompo says the outcome will be an Azimio and Kenya Kwanza numbers issue and remains optimistic that he will be elected on goodwill based on his manifesto and capacity to deliver.
The lawyer who unsuccessfully vied for the Kajiado East Mp seat in the August polls on an ODM ticket has been lobbying MCAs across the divide to support him.
On the other hand, Ngussur says UDA has the numbers and besides he is also optimistic about having Azimio ward reps supporting him.
He says having served as a ward Rep for two consecutive terms he best understands assembly operations.
The two have also pledged to keep a hawk-eye on the executive to ensure checks and balances that favour residents of Kajiado through meaningful legislation.
Political analysts say the issue of which coalition has the majority in numbers cannot entirely guarantee who wins the seat.
"Party loyalty is key but again the case in Kajiado is special. Political competition is a friendly battle that extends to the clan, friendship and age set. Lenku influence as a governor in rallying the ward reps to support his preferred candidate cannot be ignored. He is a skimmer and a good mobilizer. Lenku is also very tactical in tackling his opponents and stands a chance of influencing them to support his candidate, " Enock Nongwe, a political analyst said.
Previously Azimio faction had several candidates eying the position but they settled on Lompo through consensus.
Johnson Osoi has served as the speaker of the assembly for two consecutive terms.
16 female nominated MCAs are among ward reps that will be sworn in on Wednesday.
In August polls, no woman was elected for the position.
