Leaders from pastoralist community happy with Keynan’s appointment
George Kebaso @Morarak
The appointment of Aldas Member of Parliament, Adan Keynan as Secretary of the Jubilee Parliamentary Group has elicited a jovial environment among leaders from North Eastern region.
On Wednesday afternoon, over 25 leaders congregated at a Nairobi hotel to appreciate President Uhuru Kenyatta’s gesture to have one of their own occupy an office that will enable him enhance his political power.
Later they told journalists that the president’s gesture reflects the respect he has for the region.
Garissa Senator Yusuf Hajji led the leadership that also included all pastoralist leaders.
He noted that Keynan's appointment was of great importance to the people of the Northern Frontier, and it was because of his loyalty, trust and massive political experience spanning two decades.
"We thank the president for appointing one of us without consultation, this means he has faith in us," Hajji Said.
Samburu North MP Alois Lentoimanga said that the pastoralist community which comprise fifteen counties are much happier for being given yet another opportunity to serve in such a great leadership position.
"This shows respect to our region and we would like to appeal to more appointments from our community.
It's our resolve that we shall always support the president for whatever commitments for this country and the direction he wants it to go," Lentoimanga added.
Marsabit Woman Rep, Safia Sheikh Adan could not her happiness expressing satisfaction for President Kenyatta’s choice of Keynan to shaffle between the two houses to preach harmony among Jubilee leaders.
On her part, Isiolo Women representative Rehema Jaldesa endorsed the remarks from her counterpart adding that they can't take such privileges for granted.
"It's not only Keynan but also Fatuma Dullo for Senate deputy majority leader and Hargura as vice chair of county public and accounts Committee in senate," Jaldesa Said.
Others who were present included Bura MP, Ali Wario and Marsabit Senator, Godana Hargura.
Keynan, as a joint secretary would play a critical role in Parliament’s place in the processing of bills prescribing radical constitutional changes among others.
Keynan would now be the key point man of the President in the bicameral house to ensure that his legacy projects are on course, added Jaldesa.
“The office will be powerful as it will have a coordination role between the Senate and the National Assembly.
The office, I think, would build fresh synergy to ensure that our agenda is harmonised in both Houses,” she said lauding the appointment.
Keynan first joined politics in 1997 when he was elected as the MP for the then Wajir West constituency, but most of his time in Parliament, he played a low profile when it comes to aspirations for leadership of the NEP region.
However, other leaders feel that time has come for him to demonstrate his worth, deploy his vast experience and organisational prowess and steer the area for it to achieve its goals in national politics.
The leaders assured the president that they will make sure to pass BBI may it be at a popular initiative or at the floor of the parliament.
