Nairobi Senator-elect Johnson Sakaja has withdrawn from the race for the Senate Deputy Speaker.
Sakaja who had earlier been approved for the seat pulled out of the race which also includes Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata, Paul Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu) and Susan Kihika (Nakuru).
Announcing his withdraw from the race, Sakaja declared he would now support former Bungoma Ken Lusaka who is running for the Senate Speaker's seat.
According to a communication from the office of the Senate Clerk, a total of five Senators including Uasin Gishu County's Margaret Kamar picked nomination papers.
However, only four of the applicants returned their papers with Kamar opting out of the race.
Meanwhile, seven candidates have been cleared to vie for the office of the Speaker of the Senate including the holder of the position Ekwe Ethuro.
The other nominees include Lusaka, former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Farah Maalim, James Gesami Ondicho, Paul Gichuke Ribathi, Rameshehandra Goving Gorasia and Former Migori Senator Wilfred Gichuka Machage.
14 candidates who were interested in the post also failed to return nomination papers to the Office of the Clerk of the Senate as required.
Candidates for the Senate Speaker’s post have to be qualified to be a senator. They also have to be supported by two senators-elect.
The elections for the two positions will take place after the lawmakers are sworn-in which is scheduled for Thursday following the reconvening of the House.
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