By Samuel Ouma
Former Makadara legislator Benson Mutura is the new speaker of the Nairobi County Assembly.
Mutura trounced his opponents in the elections that were held on Friday, August 14, 2020. The elections took place on zoom in line with social distancing as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
He garnered 99 votes out of 123 after he was backed both by the Jubilee party and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Other contestants were Abdi Ali Abdi, Ken Ng’ondi, Washington Makodingo, Allan Chacha Mang’era, and Mike Obonyo Guoro.
Former speaker Alex Ole Magelo withdrew his candidature on Friday morning to support Mutura.
He was sworn in by acting speaker John Kamangu.
"I hereby declare Mr. Benson Mutura the new Nairobi County Assembly Speaker, having attained more than the required two-thirds majority votes," Kamangu announced.
The seat fell vacant following the resignation of ex-speaker Beatrice Elachi whose tenure was marred with incessant fights.
Elachi tendered her resignation on Tuesday, August 11, over what she termed as power tussle, life-threatening incidences, frustrations, and interference by Governor Mike Sonko.