Azimio Senators Storm Out After Kalonzo Withdraws From Speaker Race

Azimio la Umoja senators have walked out of the Senate in protest after Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka withdrew from the Senate speaker race.

The clerk, Jeremiah Nyegenye, announced on Thursday, September 8 that Kalonzo pulled out of the race, which sparked protests amongst the senators led by Narok Senator, Ledama ole Kina.

"Pursuant to Standing Order No. 8, a candidate may by written notice to the clerk, withdraw his or her candidature before a ballot has started.

"In this regard, I want to draw to the attention of the senate and hon senators that this morning  Hon Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, by a letter reference WDM/SEM/GC 2022, his excellency withdrew his candidature of the speaker of the senate will not appear on the ballot paper," Nyegenye announced.

Kalonzo's withdrawal now leaves six candidates, including Kenya Kwanza's Amason Kingi, as favourites for the coveted position.

Olekina revealed to the media that various matters were pending before the senators could carry out a proper process.

"There a lot of things that need to be done for us to conduct a proper process. Some of our colleagues raised serious concerns and it would have been important for them to be cleared. We need to school members to read their coalition agreement and other matters.

"Former Bungoma senator-elect, Moses Wetangula, resigned (to run for National Assembly speaker) and now we are tied at 23 senators each for Kenya Kwanza and Azimio La Umoja and we need to address that issue," he said.

He also raised issues with the United Democratic Movement (UDM) senators sitting on the same side as those elected under Kenya Kwanza affiliate parties. UDM, under Mandera senator, Ali Roba, was poached by Kenya Kwanza.

"There are two issues which are not clear to the UDM members. There is no way they can cross to the other side of the aisle until after three months after which they should give a 90-day notice," he lamented.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang had led calls to have the Senate suspend the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, arguing that the nominees were gazetted 48 hours before the sitting, thus the nominated members did not have a chance to contest the seat.

"Let the foundation of this senate not be a foundation of impunity and of denying our women the opportunity to participate. What I'm raising is not a partisan objection," Kajwang said.

Elgeyo Market senator Kipchumba Murkomen however countered his argument by stating that his issues cannot be ruled on by the clerk who is involved in the election of the speaker.

"The objection he is raising is premature to the extent that this house is now discussing the election of the speaker. The issues he has raised do not touch on the election of the speaker," he defended.

Nonetheless, Nyangenye called the house to order and announced that the process would go on as planned. He directed that the polling would be done at the two polling booths installed on the left and right sides of the chambers.