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The entry of Josphat Kamanya -former Kihara Ward MCA aspirant(UDA), a young passionate leader, and a strong ally of president-elect William Ruto- into the race for the Kiambu speaker position will affect the fortunes of several other aspirants for the seat.
Article 178 (1) of the Constitution says MCAs will elect the county assembly speaker from non-assembly members.
The speaker is usually elected by Members of the County Assembly after they have been sworn into office.
In 2021, during the infamous Kiambaa by-election, Mr. Kamanya was very instrumental in cementing the UDA win and propelling the president-elect candidature within his spheres of political influence.
Since then, he has been a very close friend to William Ruto and he was notable for traversing the Country campaigning for Deputy William Ruto’s presidential bid.
Mr. Kamanya will be expected to battle the speaker position with former senatorial aspirant Stephen Ndichu although he hasn’t declared interest publicly.
Mr. Kamanya has been in the political space for almost a decade. He was a bonafide member of TNA, witnessed the birthing of Jubilee, vied in 2017, 2021, and 2022 respectively. He was actively involved in human rights activities and was an active citizen in the process towards promulgation of the 2010 constitution.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Kamanya said that he has already declared his interest to serve as the speaker of the County.
He has promised to maintain good relations between the assembly and the executive when elected.
He said that during this lobbying season he is engaging all and sundry to garner support for his bid. ” I know the MCA’s will make an informed and most appropriate choice of their speaker, i have faith in them”. He said and further congratulated all the elected leaders and called upon the citizenry to continue embracing peace.
He said that he would like to work with the assembly to serve the great people of Kiambu.
Resident James Mwangi has called on the MCAs to elect a neutral person to heal the wounds created during the campaigns that saw Mr. Wamatangi beat the outgoing governor James Nyoro and administer an adminstration that will address core issues that are ailing the County.
“The seat should go to a neutral person, a young person, and an individual who is in touch with the needs of the people. We should not be overshadowed by political interests,” he said.