Homa Bay MCAs unanimously supported their colleague to fill the position of deputy speaker which has been vacant for more than six months.
The post fell vacant after Evans Marieba resigned in early February due to leadership wrangles.
Marieba was replaced by Kabondo West MCA Geoffrey Anyango.
However, Anyango was later removed after some MCAs obtained a court order that barred him from assuming the position.
But on Friday, East Gem MCA Elias Orondo was elected after two opponents withdrew from the contest.
Orondo was elected during a special sitting that was presided over by the county assembly speaker Elizabeth Ayoo.
Eliphalet Osuri of Ruma Kaksingri and his Kaksingri West counterpart Peter Osoyo withdrew their candidature two days before the voting exercise.
In an official announcement made by Ayoo, the duo was in the race until Wednesday when the deadline for submission of nominations ended.
But they later wrote letters to withdraw their candidature formally.
“The other two expected candidates failed to submit their nomination papers by close of business on Wednesday. I later learnt they withdrew their candidature due to their own reasons,” Ayoo announced.
Orondo was elected by acclamation. Ayoo announced the Gem East MCA as the winner without any opposition. He was sworn in a few minutes later.
Addressing journalists after the exercise, Orondo said he will enhance team work in the assembly. He promised to perform his roles diligently to ensure Homa Bay residents get services.
“I will use my position to ensure Homa Bay assembly works as a team and delivers its mandate to residents,” Orondo said.
He said the election gave him an opportunity to serve the people better.
“I will perform my duties by enhancing team work with my fellow MCAs to ensure Homa Bay residents get services they deserve,” he added.
Orondo becomes the third deputy speaker in Homa Bay since devolution began.
Edited by Henry Makori
