Former Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has been sworn in as the third Senate Speaker since the promulgation of the current Constitution.

Kingi was sworn in on Thursday after garnering a total of 46 votes out of the possible 66 votes on the first round of the voting process.

The Senate’s clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye announced the results of the poll before ushering in the former governor into the chambers to take the oath of office.

Kingi’s win was necessitated by the Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s withdrawal from the race.

While giving his acceptance speech, Kingi thanked the members of the Senate who elected him for vesting their confidence and trust in him.

Read More

  1. Sh20 billion budget cut for counties as Ruto declines to sign revenue bill
  2. Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani proposes steep hike in 'muguka' entry fees
  3. Muguka ban by Mombasa and Kilifi county bosses is null and void - Ruto

Kingi pledged to perform his duties as the Speaker diligently and with decorum.

"I am profoundly honoured and overwhelmed by the great honour and privilege you have bestowed upon me by electing me as your Speaker. I am touched by the immense confidence and trust you have placed in me," Kingi said.

"I, therefore, accept with humility and pledge that I shall perform to my utmost ability the constitutional responsibilities and duties of the office of the Senate Speaker for the next five years with diligence and decorum.”

However, a section of the senators allied to the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition walked out of the process, alleging that it was flawed.

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua said they walked out because they did not want to be part of a process they believed was flawed and fraudulent.

"How do you pronounce seven CVs and at the same time cast a vote? That is why some of us in Azimo walked out because we did not want to be part of a process that we believe is flawed and is a fraud," Wambua said.

The Pamoja Alliance Party (PAA) leader battled other candidates in the race, including Beatrice Kathomi, Fredrick Karuri Muchiri, George Bush, Isaac Aluochier Polo and George Njoroge Kuria.

Kingi got much of his support from members allied to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and, as sources have it, a section of leaders in the Azimio coalition since it was a secret ballot process.