Muturi, Ethuro Poised to Retain Parliament Speakers' Positions

Intensive lobbying within President Uhuru's Jubilee Party could hand National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi and his senate counterpart Ekwe Ethuro fresh mandates at the helm of Parliament when the houses convene for first sitting on Thursday.

At least six meetings have been held by Jubilee affiliated legislators to deliberate on the candidates the faction will front for crucial seats in parliament up for grabs.

While former Bungoma governor Ken Lusaka had been proposed to replace Muturi at the National Assembly, sources reveal he will now find his way to the Cabinet.

There is an overwhelming feeling by majority of MPs that Muturi, a former magistrate, had done well in promoting Jubilee’s agenda in the 11th Parliament and retaining the seat would be wise.

“Things have since changed. Jubilee’s leadership in Parliament will remain as it is,” a source close to the presidency said.

The lobbying will also see majority leaders Kithure Kindiki (Senate) and Aden Duale (National Assembly) retain their positions.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto are set to hold a parliamentary group meeting to spell out their preferred candidates for various positions, and prevail over members who have personally expressed interests in crucial parliament seats, to avoit splitting the vote in favor of opposition candidates.

“There is nothing wrong with expressing an interest in whatever position. Lobbying is highly encouraged. However, the issue of who gets what will be decided at the meeting of the party parliamentary group chaired by the president and his deputy,” Tharaka Nithi Senator Prof Kithure Kindiki said.