By Judith Gicobi
Amason Jeffah Kingi of Kenya Kwanza has been voted as the third speaker of the Senate under the 2010 Constitution.
Kingi received 46 out of a possible 67 votes in the election that was held in the Senate Chambers on September 8th.
Before permitting Kingi to enter the Chambers and take the oath of office, the results were announced by Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye.
After Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka withdrew his name for the position, the former Kilifi County governor’s victory appeared certain.
The Kingi expressed gratitude to the electors in his acceptance speech and pledged to carry out his duties in accordance with Kenyan law.
“I am profoundly honored and overwhelmed by the great honor 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.
“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,” Kingi stated.
In accordance with the Standing Orders, the elected and nominated senators took their oaths of office before to electing the speaker. Secret balloting was used for the election.
