Godfrey Maina Karobia, one of the nine individuals elected to represent Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has opened up regarding his unexpected win.
In an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke, Karobia indicated that his win in parliament was a testament to the democracy in United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and by extension Kenya Kwanza.
“The President and Deputy President provide the direction but allow members of the party to make independent decisions without coaxing them,” the youthful lawmaker told Kenyans.co.ke.
The 28-year-old first-timer in the regional lawmaking assembly also moved to dispel earlier reports that the decision by Members of Parliament to vote him in was a warning shot to President Ruto and top UDA echelons.
Media reports had indicated that Mt Kenya MPs had not been happy with the list that was settled on at State House because one of their own had not been given a slot in the regional assembly.
The initial Kenya Kwanza list drafted during the Parliamentary Group meeting at State House on Wednesday, November 16 did not have Karobia’s name as part of the coalition’s preferred nominees for the position.
The list had former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, former Nandi Woman Rep Zipporah Kering, former nominated MP David ole Sankok, former nominated senator Falhada Dekow and former URP Secretary General Fred Muteti.
However, by the end of the voting, those chosen were Hassan Omar, Zipporah Kering, David ole Sankok, Godfrey Mwangi Karobia, and former Igembe Central MP Cyprian Kubai Iringo.
When quizzed on whether the decision by MPs to vote him in instead of the party’s preferred candidates was a revolt against the President, Karobia emphatically replied “No, my win has nothing to do with Mt Kenya warning the President. It was not a warning shot.”
During the interview with Kenyans.co.ke, Karobia also outlined his priority areas as he looks forward to join the Arusha-based assembly.
“I will focus on fast-tracking the establishment of a common market to allow free flow of goods, promoting sustainable peace in the region, climate change and youth representation,” the elated lawmaker highlighted.
Furthermore, Karobia stated that he will seek to project the bottom-up economics to the region since he carries the ideals of UDA to the assembly.
However, the young lawmaker refused to comment on GMO indicating that it was not in his jurisdiction.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE