Senators to undergo orientation ahead of tomorrow’s swearing-in

Senators-elect will today undergo a one-day orientation session ahead of their swearing-in tomorrow.

During the session, the Senators will also be briefed on how to carry out their duties as well as be taken through the privileges that they enjoy as members of the House.

In a statement, Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye asked the Senators to carry original Identity Card or passport, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission certificate of election, four recent colour passport size photos, bio-data/curriculum vitae and a copy of the Kenya Revenue Authority pin certificate.

“Pursuant to gazette notice on the gazettement of Senators by IEBC and pursuant to gazette notice and article 126 (1) of the constitution on the appointment of the date of the First sitting of the Senate, the Clerk of the Senate in preparation of the swearing-in of Senators, invites all Senators to pre-swearing in to be held within Parliament building in Nairobi,” reads invite.

Nyegenye (pictured) also invited Kenyans to apply for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Senate. The elections will take place after the swearing-in of the Senators tomorrow.

The Senate will comprise new Senators elected from various political parties, with some making a comeback while others transited from the National Assembly.

Data from Mzalendo, an entity that keeps track of MPs performance shows that out of the 47 Senators elected, only 17 who served in the previous Parliament made it back while 30 are new faces.

Of the 17 re-elected, five Senators will be serving a third term. They include Moses Wetang’ula who was re-elected as Bungoma Senator Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi), Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho).

Among the newcomers in the Senate include ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi), human rights activist Okiya Omtata (Busia), Mohamed Chute (Marsabit), Kathuri Murungi (Meru), Eddy Oketch (Migori), Joe Nyutu (Murang’a), Tabitha Keroche (Nakuru) and John Methu (Nyandarua).

Crossover

Others are Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri), Lelegwe Ltumbesi (Samburu), Gataya Mwenda (Tharaka Nithi), Allan Chesang (Trans Nzoia), James Lomenen Ekomwa (Turkana), and  Abass Mohamed (Wajir), William Cheptumo (Baringo), Hillary Sigei (Bomet), Alexander Mundigi (Embu), Samuel Kanar Seki (Kajiado), Karungo Thang’wa (Kiambu), James Murango (Kirinyaga), Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Joseph Githuku (Lamu) and Julius Murgor (West Pokot).

Those crossing over from the National Assembly include outgoing Kitutu Chache Member of Parliament Richard Onyonka (Kisii), Dan Maanzo (Makueni) and Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga).

Those who retained their seat include Mohamed Faki (Mombasa), Agnes Kavindu (Machakos), Issa Boya (Kwale), Enoch Wambua (Kitui), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi), Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho), Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo), Abdul Haji (Garissa) and Moses Wetang’ula (Bungoma).

Only two former serving governors Mandera’s Ali Roba and Uasin Gishu Jakson Mandago made it to the senate.