Former Migori executive Christopher Rusana has been elected the eighth speaker of the county assembly.
He was elected by 45 out of 59 MCAs on Tuesday in a vote that attracted 12 candidates.
Rusana resigned as the county water and energy executive to pursue the seat. He was previously the county secretary for former Governor Okoth Obado, whose term ended in last polls.
Nairobi-based advocate Francis Ndar came second with 13 votes, followed by another Nairobi-based advocate Allan Chacha, who got one vote.
The other nine candidates did not get any vote.
On Monday evening, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko brokered a deal between Rusana and former Suna West MP Joseph Ndiege, who withdrew his speaker bid and backed Rusana.
“We thank the MCAs for the faith they have in me. This assembly has been affected by challenges, which we will tackle to steer Migori towards development, unity and peace,” Rusana said after taking oath of office.
The seat fell vacant after former Migori MP Owino Likowa was impeached by MCAs, who accused him of ignoring their welfare.
Gordon Ogola, an advocate and the current Kanu national secretary for administration and legal, was the first elected speaker in 2013. He was impeached before the end of his term.
North Kadem MCA Boaz Okoth took over in acting capacity until the 2017 polls when he won his ward seat. He resigned shortly afterwards to vie for the speaker seat and won.
Okoth did not finish his term after he was impeached and Macalder-Kanyarwanda MCA George Duro took over in acting capacity to end the term.
After the 2022 elections, Likowa was elected speaker but was impeached.
Kaler MCA Thomas Akungo, who had sponsored Likowa’s impeachment was picked as acting speaker.
Less than 48 hours later, Akungo stepped aside, saying the position had immense pressure. The position was advertised.
“We have had seven speakers and we know that the eighth will not fight the governor,” North Kanyamkago MCA George Omamba said.
Omamba, who is serving his third term and was even a deputy speaker, said Migori assembly needs a steady hand.
