By Sarah Omondi
President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance is the majority party in the National Assembly, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has ruled.
The country’s third in command said the decision followed determination that 14 MPs elected under the United Democratic Movement (UDM), Pamoja African Alliance (PAA), and Maendeleo Chap Chap had openly distanced themselves from Azimio la Umoja.
“In my considered opinion, it would be imprudent to treat the 14 MPs as part of a coalition that they have expressly distanced both themselves and their parties from. I am therefore persuaded that together with their parties are part of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition,” Mr Wetang’ula said.
With the additional 14 members, he said, the total membership of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition stands at 179, while that of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party at 157 MPs.
He further noted that his decision has been informed by the solemn duty to facilitate the continuity of House business.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Icungwa becomes the Majority Leader while his Ugunja counterpart David Opiyo Wandayi the minority leader in the House.
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya and Kathiani counterpart Robert Mbui will deputize Mr Icungwa and Mr Wandayi respectively.
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro takes over as the Majority party whip deputized by Marsabit Woman Rep Naomi Jillo Waqo while Suna East’s Junet Mohamed is the minority party whip assisted by Nominated Jubilee MP Sabina Chege.
The Majority and minority leaders have been directed to submit four MP nominees for consideration in the House Business committee by October 11.
