Senators urge Wakoli to walk in the footsteps of Wetang'ula

Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli when he was sworn in at the Senate Chambers on December 30, 2022. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Senators have advised Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli to walk in the footsteps of his predecessor National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.

Mr Wakoli was sworn-in during the Senate special sitting on Friday afternoon following his victory in the Bungoma senatorial by-election on December 8 on Ford-Kenya party ticket.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi told his Bungoma counterpart who served as a personal assistant to Wetang'ula that he has to work extra hard to oversight Governor Kenneth Lusaka.

"I am going to work closely with Wakoli to ensure that we oversight our governors so that our region is developed for the good of our people who neighbour each other and share many things in common and I believe we will achieve our goals," said Mr Osotsi.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargey said that Wetang'ula was a diligent member of the Senate who participated in House business and committee work and asked Wakoli to be ready to continue with the good work.

Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo recalled that the National Assembly Speaker served as the Senate Minority Leader and performed his role well and told the new senator that the House engages in debates in a non-partisan manner while putting the national interests first.

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana noted that Bungoma is known as a political barometer in the country and Wakoli should aim to perform his role well having worked closely with Wetang'ula for many years.

"I am definitely very sure that Wakoli will fit into the large shoes left behind by Speaker Wetang'ula since having been his personal assistant, he understands well the political terrain in Bungoma and that is why he won the seat," said Nyandarua Senator John Methu.

Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutemi said that the Kenya Kwanza Alliance was proud to retain the seat terming the competition between Wakoli and former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga who contested on United Democratic Alliance a friendly contest.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said he was proud that the people of Bungoma county where he comes from have a youthful senator and expressed optimism that he would not let down the electorate so as to earn another term in office in 2027.

Baringo Senator William Cheptumo asked Wakoli to work with all elected leaders in Bungoma county for the sake of development.