Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah was among 10 senators affiliated to the Azimio alliance who voted for Kenya Kwanza’s Amason Kingi as the Speaker of the Senate.
Omtatah participated in the secret ballot vote that took place at the floor of the House on Thursday, September 8.
However, when making his inaugural remarks at the chambers, the renowned activist clarified that he had denounced the coalition led by flagbearer Raila Odinga.
“I remained behind and voted since nobody voted against you, it is obvious that I voted for you. Nevertheless, that does not mean that I joined Kenya Kwanza
“I am a member of the National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) and I will guard my autonomy jealously. I will not be be whipped to vote on anything,” Omtatah emphasized.
The Senator congratulated Kingi on his election and expressed confidence that the Speaker would look past his political affiliation to the alliance led by president-elect, William Ruto.
“Mine is to wish you well pray that God grants you the grace to steer this house knowing that you are the speaker of the Senate of the republic of Kenya not of any faction,” the seasoned activist remarked.
A section of senators from Azimio stormed out of the Senate after the Clerk, Jeremiah Nyegenye announced that Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka had withdrawn his candidature.
Nyegenye allowed the election to proceed after which he announced that the former two-term governor won with 46 votes. This was 10 more than the 36 members of senate allied to Kenya Kwanza.
The other nine include Jubilee senators included Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo), Abdulkadir Haji (Garissa), James Lomenen (Turkana) and dominated lawmaker Margaret Kamar.
Kingi also received the backing of ODM leaders from his Coastal backyard such as Mohamed Faki (Mombasa), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi), Boy Issa Juma (Kwale) and Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta).
Meanwhile, Meru senator, Murungi Kathuri, was elected unopposed as the deputy speaker of the Senate.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
