Nation Correspondent and Tharaka Nithi County Press Association Chairman Alex Njeru, has declared his interests in being the next Speaker to the 3rd County Assembly of Tharaka-Nithi.
The renowned print and digital journalist from Marimanti in Tharaka Constituency joins the race to clinch the much-coveted position, and will have to battle it out with Peter Kaimba, an advocate from Mukothima, and former Mayor and first Speaker of Tharaka Nithi County Assembly John Mbabu among other candidates that have expressed interest in the position.
An alumnus of Mount Kenya University, Njeru began his journalism career at Mwariama FM, and would later join Chief Mbogori Girls in Maara as an English and Kiswahili teacher while freelancing as a writer for various papers across the county.
In 2014, Njeru joined Nation Media Group as a correspondent and is famous for his articles that not only inform people but help shape opinions regarding various socio-political scenarios.
He has over the years incorporated factual accounts and highlighted social events boldly and objectively, ranking him as one of the top journalists in the country.
“For the County Assembly independence, empowerment of MCA’s and staff, transparency in transactions of house business, construction of decent assembly chambers and offices at Kathwana, and the general development of the devolved unit, the son of the soil Alex Njeru is ready to serve in the Speaker’s docket”, he said.
The Assembly Speaker’s position has been subject to rotation based on constituencies in Tharaka Nithi County, with political pundits arguing that the 3rd Assembly ought to appoint a Speaker from Tharaka Constituency, after the first and second speakers came from Chuka/Igambang’ombe and Maara constituencies respectively.
Article 178 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya provides that each county assembly shall have a Speaker elected from among persons who are not Members of the County Assembly, as read together with Section 7 of the County Governments (Amendment) Act 2020, Section 25 of the Elections Act, 2011 and standing orders of various county assemblies.
Anyone wishing to be a speaker of the county assembly must meet qualifications under Article 193 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and Sections 22 and 25 of the Elections Act 2011. The qualifications include;
He/she must be a registered voter.
Should satisfy any educational, moral and ethical requirements as prescribed in the constitution. The educational requirement is a post-secondary school qualification recognised in Kenya, in accordance with Section 22(1) of the Elections Act 2011.
Be a Kenyan citizen for at least 10 years before the election.
Should not hold dual citizenship or owe allegiance to a foreign state.
Be elected in accordance with standing orders of the respective county assemblies, from persons eligible to be elected as Members of County Assembly but are not such members.
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