Karen Nyamu: I would rather lose an election than be nominated

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has spoken about the competition for nominated positions, saying securing one is far from easy. She says those seeking the slots face intense competition.

Speaking in the Senate, Nyamu supported a petition questioning how political parties choose people for nominated positions.

She asked whether nominations are going to the people who are meant to benefit from them, or whether the same people with political connections continue to get the slots.

Nyamu, who has previously benefited from a nomination, said the opportunity can allow one to make a difference in society, but warned that it should not be seen as an easy path into Parliament.

“I don't want anyone to think that getting nominated is easy or it is an easy road,” she said.

She stated the competition can be tough, especially because parties have only a limited number of slots to fill after an election.

“I dare say that nominated members work twice as hard to get to this House or to nominated opportunities than even elected members. If you have been in that list for nomination, you know how cutthroat it is,” Nyamu said.

Nyamu explained that the uncertainty around the nomination lists is one of the reasons she would rather contest an election.

“I would rather be on the ballot and lose an election than to be in that list again. Because today you're there, tomorrow you're number four, tomorrow you're number six or number seven,” she stated.

She also questioned the use of regional and ethnic considerations when selecting nominees, particularly in Nairobi.

“Nairobi is not about tribes. So those are some of the issues that need to be addressed,” she said.

Her remarks come amid ongoing questions about how nominated positions are allocated and whether the process provides equal opportunities to those seeking representation.