Amason Kingi Elected New Senate Speaker

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept, 8 – Former Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has clinched the Speaker of the Senate seat garnering 46 out of the maximum 67 votes.

He was declared the winner in the first round of voting.

His elevation to the position is seen as a huge victory for the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

For one to clinch the seat one needed an absolute majority/two-thirds majority which is at least 45 votes.

King will now be the third speaker in the House After outgoing speaker Ken Lusaka who is now Bungoma governor and Ekwe Ethuro who was the pioneer senator.

“I am deeply humbled and touched by the immense confidence and trust you have placed on me. I, therefore, accept with humility and ledge that I shall perform to my utmost ability the constitutional responsibilities and duties of the office of the speaker of the Senate for the next five years,” said Kingi.

Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka dropped out of the race at the last minute.

Others seeking the seat included, Issac Aluochier, George Bush, Karuri Fredrick Muchiri, Kinyua Beatrice Gathomi and Kuria George Njoroge.

Azimio La Umoja-Affiliated leaders however walked out for the senate sitting citing failure to agree on how the elections should be conducted.

“We feel that the clerk did not address the issues we raised properly, we feel that the clerk operated just like Chebukati operated at Bomas. He was in such a rush to make a ruling when we had all the time to dispense with issues. We are not going to be part of that charade and we assure you that this Senate will always stand up for the right things,” said Kajwang’
The leaders had requested that the House be adjourned so that their nominated Senators could participate in the process and vote on fair ground.