Former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar has quit the race to be the third Speaker of the Senate Assembly.
In a statement on Wednesday, Omar said he held talks with President-elect William Ruto during which they agreed he quits the race in favour of former Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi.
"Following lengthy deliberations with William Ruto and other Kenya Kwanza leaders yesterday, we agreed that H.E Amason Kingi be fronted as the Coalition's candidate for Senate Speaker in keeping with the spirit of Coalition partnership," he said.
Omar said considering the position was reserved for Coastal people he has no qualms supporting Kingi for the post.
He urged all Senators to back Kingi for the seat considering that he has been fronted as the sole Kenya Kwanza candidate.
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"I have no objection to this considering that this position was reserved for the Coast and hereby withdraw my candidature for Senate Speaker. I trust that all Senators will rally their support for my brother Kingi as the sole Kenya Kwanza candidate as so agreed upon by all of us," he said.
MPs-elect will hold their first sitting on Thursday during which they will sworn into office.
After the swearing-in ceremony, the first order of business is the election of Speakers and deputy speakers.
