NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept, 8 – Moses Wetangula has been elected speaker of the National Assembly.
Wetangula takes charge of the August House after resigning as Bungoma Senator.
The FORD-Kenya leader who replaces Justin Muturi garnered 215 votes against Kenneth Marende who got 130 votes. Marende had been fronted by Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Alliance.
Despite the vote set to proceed for a second round of voting, it was concluded in the first after Marende withdrew from the race.
In his inaugural speech, Wetangula promised to serve the house and country with honor as they repose the interests of Kenyans in the National Assembly.
“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the honorable members here assembled for the high honour that you have bestowed upon me by electing me as the speaker of this August house. I aceept and submit to your will and I am ready to serve as the high speaker of the national Assembly since our independence,” he said.
He also hailed his opponents who had expressed their interests in becoming the speaker of the house and also returning their nomination papers while particularly lauding Kenneth Marende who once served as the seventh speaker of the National Assembly.
Notable speakers of the house since independence include Sir Humphrey Slade, Fred Mbiti Mati, Moses Kiprono Aarap Keino, Jonathan Kimetete arap Ng’eno, Francis ole Kaparo , Kenneth Marende, and Justin Muturi.
“I am eternally humbled and extremely privileged to occupy this hallowed seat,” he said.
The new speaker congratulated legislators who were re-elected saying that it was a testament to the citizenry’s belief in their leadership.
A special mention was slated for Aden Duale who was the majority leader in the house, John Mbadi, the immediate former leader of the minority party, and his deputy Robert Mbui.
He also recognized Farah Maalim who served as deputy speaker in the 10th parliament.
Emmanuel Wangwe, who was the immediate former majority whip, and Junet Mohammed minority [arty whip were also hailed and welcomed back to the August house.
Notably, Wetangula also hailed the 13th parliament saying that 82 female legislators were in the house. 29 women were elected to represent single-member constituencies.
“This increase is a significant step towards achieving the aspirations of the gender parity in representation as desired by our 2010 constitution,” he said.
A special mention was also reserved for Millicent Odhiambo who is serving her fourth consecutive term in the house.
Linet ‘Toto’ Chepkorir was also hailed for being the youngest member in the 13th Parliament.
Leaders living with disabilities such as Tim Wanyonyi were also congratulated for serving his third consecutive term as well as Rose Museo, and Joseph Samal who returned to Parliament, Jackson Kipkemoi Kosgei, and Martin Wanyonyi who is Webuye East Mp.
Meanwhile, Samuel Moroto, Aden Keynan, and Samuel Gonzo Rai who have embarked on serving their fifth terms were also hailed.
“…The becoming what is referred to in parliamentary parlance as the ‘fathers’ of the house. Their parliamentary experience shall enrich the deliberations and output of this house,” said Wetnagula.
National Assembly has organized an induction retreat for all members of the house which will take place from September,18 to 24,2022 at a venue yet to be communicated.
“It will be a great opportunity for you to thoroughly acquaint yourself with your mandate, a parliamentary process, and secrets, and tools that will give you a head start in serving your electorate, ”
Wetangula concluded by saying that he has submitted himself to the collective will of the house as he serves with fidelity to the constitution and laws of the land.
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