The National Super Alliance (NASA) is under fire after its executive director Norman Magaya missed out on a seat in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Many criticised the Opposition formation, saying it was not living by its ideals after the youthful Magaya came last in the election of Kenya’s representatives to the regional Parliament. Among those who were successful was Dr Oburu Oginga, a senior brother to NASA leader Raila Odinga.
Magaya, in a tweet after Thursday night’s elections in the National Assembly, said he would never beg for favours.
“Unapologetic, tenacious, relentless, unremorseful, non compromising and principled. Will never beg on my knees for favors. Keep them. Forever stay on my feet. There is dignity in being firm. Forever greatful to my mentor @orengo_james. Charismatic!” he wrote sparking an avalance of reactions.
“Kenya is a cursed Country where great minds like Norman Magaya are discredited and vilified but simpletons are honoured with Head of State Commendation,” lawyer Nelson Havi also tweeted.
Fellow lawyer Edwin Sifuna, who unsuccessfully vied for the Nairobi senatorial seat, weighed in, tweeting: My brother Norman Magaya is tough. This EALA slip will not slow him. But we need to fix the reward system in Nasa. Nay, we need a reward system in Nasa. Chin up @amugira!”
“When will NASA lead by example and empower young turks like Magaya? Create strong leadership that will take over after Raila? Why can’t NASA start nurturing young leaders? I guess Africans we are all the same. We can’t leave power, we can’t hand over the mantle, we can’t retire,” serial blogger @ItsMutai also tweeted.
But Edwin Atitwa had a different perspective, noting his failed to clinch an EALA seat was a blessing in disguise for pro-reform forces in the country.
“Kudos NASA MPs for not taking Norman Magaya to EALA. We need him more in NASA as the CEO for he is the principled guy that we have always wanted at a time of revolutionary moments like this.Magaya God had to keep you there for the next events,” he tweeted.
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Apart from Oburu, who got 243 votes, others who were elected to represent NASA were co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka’s son, Kennedy Musyoka (309), former Balambala MP Abdikadir Aden (235), Dr Oginga (243) and former Wajir Woman Rep Fatuma Ibrahim Ali (142).
NASA had submitted a list of five nominees afte weeks of jostling and intrigues.
Jubilee representatives are former Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua, who garnered 286 votes, Florence Jematiah Sergon (252), former Mandera North MP Aden Nooru Mohammed (192), former Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi (208) and former Nyandarua Woman Rep Wanjiku Muhia (180).
Former Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) chairman Charles Nyachae, who was among Jubilee’s 14 nominees, also failed to make the cut.
