Wetangula says he has 'resigned as Bungoma Senator' to run for National Assembly Speaker

Addressing the media on Wednesday at Parliament buildings while presenting his papers for consideration in the Speaker role, the Ford Kenya party leader said he had prior submitted his resignation papers after winning the election.

"The documents I have presented to the clerk include my resignation as a Senator. Which resignation I did a day after the gazettement of my election," Wetangula said.

"...If you read the constitution, any MP who wishes to resign resigns to the Speaker, and I resigned to the Speaker."

His announcement came hours after the Kenya Kwanza fold issued a statement confirming that it had settled on the lawmaker as its candidate for the position.

The President-elect William Ruto-led camp also nominated Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss as Wetangula's to deputise Wetangula.

"Kenya Kwanza unanimously endorsed Amason Kingi as our candidate for Senate Speaker and will be deputized by Senator Kathuri from Meru and my distinguished deputy will be Boss Gladys, the Woman Rep from UIasin Gishu," Wetangula stated.

Wetangula will now face former Speaker Kenneth Marende, who has been fronted by the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party as its choice for the position.

At the same time, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was listed by the Raila Odinga-led team for the Senate Speaker role to contest with Kenya Kwanza’s Amason Kingi.