Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has said he is still intact in his political party despite voting for Kenya Kwanza's Amason Kingi as the Speaker of the Senate.
Speaking in Parliament after the election, Omtatah said he voted for him because he believed he was the best candidate.
“I voted for you but that does not mean that I joined Kenya Kwanza. I’m a member of the National Reconstruction Alliance I will guard my autonomy jealously. I will vote on issues and on conviction, I will not be whipped to vote on anything,” he said.
He congratulated Kingi and all the other individuals who were nominated in their capacities.
“Mr Speaker, I rise to thank you and congratulate you for your election and election of your able deputy who we had a chance yesterday and also to congratulate all senators who have been nominated to this house,” he said.
“I pray God grants you the grace to steer this house knowing that you are the speaker of the senate of the republic of Kenya not a speaker of any faction.”
Omtatah urged Kingi to try to work for a balance of arms in the Parliament Service Commission.
The former Kilifi governor was elected after he garnered 46 out of the 67 votes, having an absolute majority.
His election comes shortly after Kalonzo Musyoka withdrew from the race.
He will replace Kenneth Lusaka who was elected as Bungoma governor.
