Amason Kingi sworn-in as Senate Speaker

Former Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi is the new Speaker of the Senate.

In an exercise at the Senate’s first sitting on Thursday, September 8, Kingi garnered all 46 votes cast after Azimio allied members staged a walkout before the vote.

After he was declared the winner, Kingi, allied to the Kenya Kwanza coalition, took his oath of office.

In his acceptance speech, Kingi expressed gratitude to the Senators who entrusted him with the mandate.

“I am deeply humbled and touched by the immense confidence and trust you have placed on me. I therefore accept with humility and ledge that I shall perform to my utmost ability the constitutional responsibilities and duties of the office of the speaker of the Senate for the next five years,” he said.

Lusaka on Thursday sent a congratulatory message to Kingi, urging Senators to support him. 

"We had senate mashinani which we had but stopped because of covid but it took the senate to the people. We also passed some bills that were pro- devolution and we hope that will continue. I worked sometimes under difficult times but I am glad I finished my term," he told Kingi. 

The former Kilifi Governor was contesting against Issac Aluochier, George Bush, Karuri Fredrick Muchiri, Kinyua Beatrice Gathomi and Kuria George Njoroge.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was also in the race but stepped down at the last minute just before the voting exercise kicked off.