Former Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula is the duly elected Speaker of the National Assembly.
Wetangula garnered 215 votes against his competitor, Kenneth Marende’s 130 votes.
The two were set to face off in another round of voting but Marende of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance pulled out of the race.
Acting National Assembly Clerk Serah Kioko notified the House that the Speaker of the 10th Parliament had conceded defeat hence the declaration of Wetangula as Speaker.
Read: MP Kajwang Questions Wetangula’s Eligibility To Run for Speaker of National Assembly
In his maiden speech, the former legislator recognized his predecessor Justin Muturi for the great legacy and reforms he leaves behind.
“The Hon Justin Muturi shall be remembered for the great legacy and reforms he leaves behind. You do not have to look further, just look around. Members who have previously served in this house can attest to this,” said Wetangula.
“Speaking of the Hon Justin Muturi, what many of you may not know is that he’s not just my predecessor, he was my roommate at the University of Nairobi at the school of law, he was my classmate, he is my agemate and a long term friend,” he added.
He also acknowledged Bomet Woman Rep Linet “Toto”, his younger brother and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, among others.
Read Also: It is Marende Vs Wetangula For National Assembly Speaker
“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the honourable members here assembled, for the high honour that you have bestowed upon me by electing me the Speaker of this August House,” Wetangula said.
“I accept and submit to your will and I’m ready to serve as the eighth Speaker of the National Assembly since our independence.”
The former lawmaker received congratulatory messages from other leaders including his co-principal in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi.
“Mr. Speaker Sir! Congratulations to the new Speaker of the National Assembly Hon
@Wetangulam! May your elevation consolidate the independence of Parliament and underpin the rule of law in the country. Let the spirit of order reign in our National Assembly,” tweeted Mudavadi.
Also congratulating Papa wa Roma as he is popularly referred to was former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
Malala said: “Today, one of the best brains from Mulembe nation ascends to power as the speaker of our country’s National Assembly. Hearty congratulations to “Baba Wa Roma”, the Hon. Moses Masika Wetangula. Mulembe nation is Happy. Kenya is Happy.”
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