Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Kenneth Marende has welcomed Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s proposal to have him as the Senate’s speaker under his administration.

Marende who intimated the announcement came to him as a surprise said his belief in devolution may have recognised his competence, ability and capacity to oversee the operation of devolved units.

“I was quiet on my activities at home only to receive a phone call from a friend who informed me of the developments,” Marende said.

“Since I believe in devolution, maybe they have accessed my competence, capacity, and ability and they have decided that I have a contribution that I can make by leading the Senate to oversee the operations of devolved units.” 

Marende who recently declared his interest in the Vihiga gubernatorial seat noted it is constitutionally impossible to hold the two positions namely speaker’s and governor's positions at the same time.

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Therefore, Marende said he will respond to his coalition leader’s call to serve under his administration.

“Kenyan constitution is very clear you can’t hold two posts so it’s either Speaker position or gubernatorial position, but I can’t ignore our coalition leader,” Marende said.

While unveiling Martha Karua as his running mate, Raila also nominated several members of the Azimio Coalition for different cabinet positions, and the senate speaker’s position.


Marende was spoiling to square it out at the ballot with ODMs Wilberforce Ottichillo, PPOK's Moses Akaranga, FPK's Patrick Ominde, Equitable party's Patrich Saisi and ANC's Alfred Agoi.

Marende is a member or DAP-K party with is an affiliate party of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.