Pamoja African Alliance party leaders and residents of Kilifi have hailed former Governor Amason Kingi for being elected speaker of the Senate.
The leaders also thanked President-elect Wiliam Ruto for keeping the promise he made to Kingi, who was the PAA party leader when he joined Kenya Kwanza.
Kingi was declared the winner after garnering 46 votes cast during the election on Thursday.
Leaders who spoke, and later slaughtered a goat to celebrate Kingi’s victory, included former nominated Senator Christine Zawadi, former Kibarani MCA John Mwamutsi, ambassador Sofie Kombe, Victor Gogo of Mtepeni ward and Edward Saro, among others.
They thanked Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo for voting for Kingi despite the fact that they are from different political affiliations.
Addressing journalists in Kilifi town, Zawadi said Kingi's victory was historic for Kilifi county and the Coast at large.
She said it was clear proof that having a political party is important for the region.
"The Senate seat is a big position. I think this is the fourth in command from the presidency so as coastal people we are proud of the achievement," she said.
Zawadi said she had confidence in Ruto's presidency as he is a man who keeps his word and shall deliver to Kenyans.
Mwamutsi on his part said it was time the Coast region moved away from voting six-piece for ODM, as the President-elect has proved that he fulfills his promises.
He said in ODM they promised to nominate Kilifi youth Fikirini Jacobs to the Senate and short-changed him at the last minute.
"I would like to now ask Kilifi people to see between Azimio who promised Senate nomination to our youth Fikirini Jacobs, but shortchanged him, and Kenya Kwanza who have kept their word and made sure Kingi is the Senate speaker," he said.
Mwamutsi thanked the President-Elect and assured him of support from the leaders in Kilifi to ensure he delivers to the people.
Kombe said they were happy for Kenya Kwanza for electing Kingi as the Senate speaker.
Saro said the election of Kingi to the Senate was a clear indication that the Coast was headed in the right direction.
The leaders called on the Kilifi residents and Coast at large to throw their weight behind Ruto.
Edited by Henry Makori
