Kenyans were treated to a rare occurrence in the Senate after part of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition party senators defied instructions by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The lawmakers were to vote for Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the Senate Speaker’s post. Kalonzo however withdrew from the race, leaving Azimio without a candidate.
Following the announcement of Kalonzo’s withdrawal from the race, Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina and his Nairobi counterpart Edwin Sifuna led Azimio lawmakers in staging a walkout from the house.
Several senators affiliated with the political formation however remained rooted in their seats. The legislators joined their Kenya Kwanza colleagues in voting for their coalition’s candidate, Amason Kingi.
Among the Azimio senators who remained in the house and voted for Kingi are; Jubilee nominated senator Margaret Kamar, Taita Taveta senator Jones Mwaruma, Mombasa senator Faki Mwinyihaji, Busia senator Okiyah Omtatah, Kwale senator Issa Boy, Lamu senator Joseph Githuku, Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Isiolo senator Adan Dulo Fatuma, Garissa senator Abdulkadir Haji and Turkana senator James Lomenen.
Kingi won the plum post with an absolute majority of 46 votes out of 67 votes.
