Stories about defeated presidential contender Raila Odinga dashing to Kisumu to rally MCAs behind his preferred candidate for speaker in the lakeside county raised eyebrows.
“Raila arrives in Kisumu ahead of speaker’s election Tuesday,” said a Star heading, September 19.
What was so important about electing a county speaker the required Odinga’s presence in Kisumu?
But an unexpected twist raised even more eyebrows: So heated was the speakership race that Kisumu MCAs were reportedly defying their party leader, Odinga.
“Raila forced to prematurely end meeting after 21 MCAs in Kisumu allegedly snub the dinner event,” Ke.opera.news reported.
And the Nation reported September 20, “Raila man carries the day in Kisumu after brief scare.”
Away from Kisumu, Nakuru County drew 13 candidates for speaker, The Standard reported September 26. Kisii drew 14 candidates.
What is the big deal with being speaker at county assemblies? The Standard did two important stories to provide context.
First, a story titled, “Raila’s secret card to tighten grip on Nyanza’s six county assemblies” explained why Kisumu’s race was important to the Orange Democratic Movement leader.
“Raila allies who clinched governor seats are keen on holding a big sway over the assemblies, aware of the fact that the William Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza controls the Senate,” said the September 21 story by Eric Abuga.
Second, a story titled, “Why speaker’s position in county assemblies is highly sought-after,” revealed that the seat has clout.
The story showed that a county speaker’s office pays. Monthly salary is over half a million. House allowance adds another monthly Sh80,000 to the winner’s pocket. The speaker is entitled to Sh20 million for mortgage, a car loan of Sh4 million, a medical cover up to Sh3 million annually, and an official vehicle with police security.
Besides, readers learned that county speakers chair the hugely influential County Assembly Service Board.
Kudos to The Standard for writing these two timely explainers!
