Former Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi is the newly elected Speaker of the Senate.
Kingi garnered 46 out of 67 votes, to have an absolute majority.
His election on Thursday came after the withdrawal of Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka from race.
“Kalonzo Musyoka has withdrawn his candidature for the Office of the Speaker of the Senate,” the senate said in a tweet.
Read: Azimio Fronts Marende for National Assembly Speaker, Kalonzo in Senate
In his maiden speech on Thursday, Kingi stated that it was time to work together to build the nation.
“I’m humbled and touched by the immense confidence & trust you have placed on me. I accept with humility and pledge that I shall perform to my uttermost ability the constitutional responsibilities & duties of the office of Speaker of Senate,” he stated.
The former county boss also noted that he will work closely with the devolved units.
“It is incumbent upon the fourth Senate to play its due constitutional role and ensure that the national and county governments deliver on their mandate to improve or lighten the burden of our people,” added Kingi.
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He added: “We will adopt a proactive approach in our pursuit to make the Senate an effective governance institution to Kenyans and let Senate be sanctuary in times of distress.”
Earlier, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance allied senators walked out of the House as they sought to have the election of the speaker suspended.
The lot claimed that nominated senators were not allowed a chance to apply for the deputy speakership.
The senators, led by Homa Bay’s Moses Kajwang, claimed that the CVs provided did not contain crucial information such as clearance letters from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Read Also: Raila Accuses Kingi of Betrayal After Switching to DP Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza
The legislators announced that the Azimio candidate for speaker, Kalonzo, would not take part in a flawed process.
Consequently, Murungi Kathuri has been elected the senate deputy speaker after Kilifi’s Stewart Madzayo dropped his bid.
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