Despite voting for Kenya Kwanza’s Amason Kingi as Senate Speaker, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has stated that he remains loyal to his political party.
Speaking in Parliament after the election, Omtatah said he voted for him because he believed he was the best candidate.
“I voted for you but that does not mean that I joined Kenya Kwanza. I’m a member of the National Reconstruction Alliance I will guard my autonomy jealously. I will vote on issues and on conviction, I will not be whipped to vote on anything,” he said.
He also congratulated Kingi and all those who were nominated in their respective capacities.
“Mr Speaker, I rise to thank you and congratulate you for your election and election of your able deputy who we had a chance yesterday and also to congratulate all senators who have been nominated to this house,” he said.
“I pray God grants you the grace to steer this house knowing that you are the speaker of the senate of the republic of Kenya not a speaker of any faction.”
The former Kilifi governor was elected with an absolute majority after receiving 46 out of 67 votes.
He will succeed Kenneth Lusaka, who was elected governor of Bungoma.
