National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has promised to serve members of parliament diligently following his election on Thursday.
In his maiden speech as the Speaker of the 13th Parliament, Wetangula recounted his experience as MP and Senator saying the long journey has taught him that leadership is about service to the people.
As he gave his speech after being sworn in, Wetangula quoted the words 22nd and 24th US President Grover Cleveland to demonstrate his commitment to service.
"Office holders are the agents of the people, not their masters. These words always ring true to me and hence moving on, I'll be your servant and your agent," he said.
Wetangula said he will be an easily approachable leader adding:
"My eyes will be keen to see and listen to all of you. My office will not be an Eiffel tower, it will be accessible to all of you."
The former Bungoma Senator also promised to be an impartial leader.
"I promise to see to it that you are able to effectively discharge your Constitutional mandate," he added.
He expressed his confidence in building on the past successes of the National Assembly and devising new ways to add to the glory of the House.
"I unequivocally submit myself to the collective will of this House and reiterate my singular desire to serve with impartiality, fidelity to the Constitution and the laws of this land," he added.
Wetangula lauded the MPs for showing up to vote, urging them to continue to exercise the same enthusiasm in serving Kenyans.
He won 215 votes against former speaker Kenneth Marende who got 130 in the first round.
The voting exercise was to proceed to the second round but his competitor and former Speaker Kenneth Marende conceded defeat.
The law requires that a candidate will be declared Speaker-elect in round one if he gets the votes of two-thirds of the members of parliament.
He has taken over his predecessor and close ally Speaker of the 12th Parliament Justin Muturi.
