By MOSES NJAGIH
Speaker of the Senate Ekwe Ethuro has declared the Makueni senatorial seat vacant, setting in motion the process for a by-election in the area.
The position became vacant following the death of its former Senator the late Mutula Kilonzo who passed away last month.
The Speaker on Thursday disclosed that in accordance to the requirements of the law, he had consequently informed the Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Mr Issack Hassan of the vacancy for the commission to conduct a by-election in the county.
Makueni said that after the death of Mutula, he had acted to ensure that the electorate of Makueni does not suffer injustice for lack of a representative in the Senate.
“I have written to the Chairman to confirm to the Commission that the seat of Makueni is vacant. Following this, they (commission) are at liberty to proceed with the by-election,” said Ethuro.
He added: “As a Senate, we hope that IEBC will act promptly so that people of Maukueni will have another Senator”.
He said that at the moment, the interests of the county will have to be championed by Senators from the neighbouring Kitui and Machakos counties, until the by-elections in Makueni are held.
“There is no room constitutionally but out of courtesy and good neighbourliness, the Senators of the neighbouring counties will be expected to further the interests of Makueni until a new Senator is elected,” said Ethuro.
Ethuro said it will now be upon the IEBC to set a date for the by-elections. He made the remarks after hosting the United States of America ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec who had paid him a courtesy call.
