By Kamadi Amata
Former Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has been elected senate speaker.
Kingi was elected on Thursday after he garnered 46 out of the 67 votes, having an absolute majority.
His election comes shortly after Kalonzo Musyoka withdrew from the race.
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.
He will replace Kenneth Lusaka who was elected Governor of Bungoma County.
Kingi becomes the third Senate speaker after Ekwe Ethuro and Lusaka.