Former Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi was on Thursday, September 8, elected the new Senate Speaker.
The former Governor garnered 46 votes to clinch the position of the total 67 votes.
President-elect William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza already boasted a 36-30 majority in the senate but ten Azimio-affiliated senators voted for Kingi to surpass the required threshold of two-thirds of the total votes.
A section of the Azimio senators staged a walked out while another remained in the chambers and voted for Kingi.
It has now emerged that all the Coast Senators remained behind and voted for Kingi. Here is the list of Azimio affiliated senators who voted for Kingi;
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1. Stewart Mwachiru - (Kilifi, ODM)
2. Juma Boy (Kwale, ODM)
3. Mr Joseph Githuku (Lamu, Jubilee),
4. Mr Mohamed Faki (Mombasa, ODM)
5. Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta, ODM).
6. Mr Okiya Omtatah (Busia, NRA)
7. Mr Abdul Haji (Garissa, Jubilee),
8. Ms Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo, Jubilee)
9. Prof Margaret Kamar (nominated, Jubilee)
10. Senator James Lomenen (Turkana, Jubilee).
A Kenya Kwanza affiliated senator admitted that their coalition reached out to the Azimio senators to ensure they win the senate race.
At the same time, Moses Wetangula was also elected the National Assembly Speaker after beating Azimio's Kenneth Marende who conceded defeat after the first round.
Gladys Shollei and Kathuri Murungi were elected deputy speakers in the National Assembly and Senate respectively.
"I salute Members of Parliament for trusting Kenya Kwanza to provide leadership in both Houses; a clear indication of our national support. Congratulations to Moses Wetang’ula and Amason Kingi on your election as speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate respectively.
"Well in Gladys Shollei and Kathuri Murungi as deputy speakers. Your elevation is a clear demonstration of Kenya Kwanza's support. I have tremendous faith that you will serve the people of Kenya with purpose and distinction," Ruto said has he congratulated the the four after they were elected.
