MARENDE'S QUEST

A section of Members of Parliament from the Party of National Unity (PNU) have taken on the Speaker of National Assembly Kenneth Marende for declaring his intention to vie for presidency in 2012.

The MPs, George Nyamweya (nominated), Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragwa) and Nderitu Murithi (Laikipia West), said holders of positions in Government such as the Speaker of National Assembly, the Chief Justice, Chief of General Staff and the Police Commissioner would lose public trust and confidence should they declare their interest in the presidency while still serving their present positions.

Addressing journalists at parliament buildings on Wednesday they said that they were concerned following reports in one of the local dailies indicating Marende, at a public forum in his home area had allegedly declared his interest for the country's top position.

The three said though the constitution does not prohibit the speaker from seeking the highest office in the land, such a move will jeopardize his ability to rule in the chambers and might heighten tension in the house.

But the Speaker has denied ever making such an announcement saying that if he was interested he would do so publicly.