Nakuru County Woman Representative Liza Chelule has replaced Rongo MP Paul Abuor as the vice chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Regional Development in the National Assembly.

In a statement by the National Assembly on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Chelule was elected unopposed to replace Abuor, who had tendered his resignation from the position, citing personal reasons.

“Nakuru County Woman Representative, Hon. Liza Chelule, has been elected unopposed as the new Vice-Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Regional Development in the National Assembly,” the statement reads.

Abuor steps down

“Her election follows the resignation of former Vice-Chairperson and Rongo MP Paul Abuor on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, who stepped down due to personal reasons.”

The Clerk of the National Assembly had declared the position vacant and set the date for the election.

Members interested in vying for the role were invited to submit their nomination papers by 5:00 pm on Monday, August 4, 2025.

Elected unopposed

At the close of the nomination window, only Chelule had submitted her papers, making her the sole candidate.

As stipulated in Standing Order 179(12), where only one valid nomination is received, the candidate is declared elected without a contest.

The election proceedings, held at Bunge Tower, were presided over by the acting Deputy Director, George Gazemba, who formally declared Chelule duly elected.

“Chelule is the only candidate who returned her nomination papers. I therefore declare her elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Committee,” Gazemba said.

In her acceptance speech, Chelule expressed deep gratitude to her fellow members for placing their trust in her.

“I am truly honoured by the confidence you’ve shown in me. I commit to serving with dedication, humility, and integrity. I look forward to working closely with each of you to advance the committee’s mission,” she said.

Committee Chairperson and Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong led members in congratulating Chelule, describing her as a capable and committed leader whose experience will add great value to the Committee.

“On behalf of the Committee, I warmly welcome Hon. Chelule and congratulate her. Her energy and insight will greatly enrich our work in promoting regional development across Kenya,” Lochakapong said.