Kamar poised to replace Kindiki

Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar. [File, Standard]

Senate will this afternoon elect a new deputy speaker with Uasin Gishu's Margaret Kamar expected to replace ousted Tharaka Nithi senator Kithure Kindiki. 

By yesterday, it was expected that most candidates eyeing the seat would withdraw from the race in favour of Prof Kamar.

Majority Whip Irungu Kang'ata and minority leader Mutula Kilonzo Junior spoke about the possibility of Kamar carrying the day in the election set for 2.30pm.

Senators Isaac Mwaura (Jubilee), Judith Pareno (ODM), Stewart Madzayo (ODM) and Charles Kibiru (Independent), had expressed interest in the seat.

Kang'ata said he expects the other candidates to back Kamar whom he termed ‘the Handshake candidate.’

He also said the candidate had passed the Jubilee Party ‘loyalty test' which he termed 'a key requirement for any leadership position in the party'.

"I can assure you all of them will withdraw in favour of Senator Kamar. There is no one else. It is her. We chose her on the basis of her loyalty to the party and her competence. As a party, we reward loyalty. She stood with us during the purge on disloyal members. When she is elected, we want tell her to continue supporting the handshake because it is the one that put her there,” said Mr Kang'ata.

Kilonzo Junior said candidates from the Minority side were likely to support Prof Kamar.

“I believe Prof Kamar will carry the day unopposed. Even candidates from the Nasa coalition are likely to drop out of the race. This is essentially a Jubilee seat, so it is only fair that their candidate takes it,” he said.

The election follows the removal of Kindiki who was voted out in a purge targeting Jubilee members allied to Deputy President William Ruto.