Margaret Kamar succeeds Kindiki Kithure as Senate Deputy Speaker

Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar has been sworn in as Senate Deputy Speaker after three rivals pulled out of the race.

One of the competitors, Senator Judith Pareno, issued a statement just hours before the election was held at the Senate.

“Following consultations with the leadership of my party, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), I hereby give notice of my withdrawal as candidate for election as Deputy Speaker of the Senate. Thank you,” the statement addressed to Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka reads.

On his part, Senator Isaac Mwaura endorsed Prof. Margaret Kamar her endorsement by Jubilee party had been predicated on gender.

“When party does so, we have no option but to support, we will toe the party line,” he said during an interview on CitizenTV’s DayBreak show on Tuesday.

Senate Majority Whip Irungu Kang’ata who replaced Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika announced his endorsement of Prof. Kamar on Monday via social media.

“Those inquiring about tomorrow (Tuesday)’s Senate Deputy Speakers election. All contestants are very capable and qualified. However, Jubilee supports women empowerment. I endorse Prof Margaret Kamar,” he said on Twitter.

Senator Steward Madzayo bowed out of the race on Monday evening after what he said were also consultations with his party ODM.

“My decision is premised majorly on the need to continue supporting the political coherence currently being advanced by H.E Raila Amollo Odinga and H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta,” he said in a statement.

He also cited the gender equity premise saying his move to pull out will advance the position for a female candidate.

Kirinyaga Senator Charles Kibiru who had emerged as the frontrunner in the race withdrew saying it would be ‘derelict’ of him not to view his would-be victory as merely ‘pyrrhic’.

Prof. Kithure Kindiki was pushed out from the position of Senate Deputy Speaker over allegations of insubordination.

He is among Jubilee Senators allied to DP William Ruto who have been de-whipped by the party after failing to attend a parliamentary group meeting at State House.