Kenyan-born lawyer Lucy Gichuhi is set to become the first person of African descent elected to the Federal Parliament in Australia.
Despite finishing second to her fellow Family First candidate Bob Day, Gichuhi is set to be confirmed as Senator, pending a high court ruling, after Day was found ineligible to hold office because he had an “indirect pecuniary interest” in an agreement with the commonwealth.
"I am honoured and grateful for this opportunity to serve Australia. I see it as an opportunity to give back to this great nation," Ms Gichuhi said in a statement.
She migrated to Australia in 1999 and became an Australian citizen in 2001.
"I am an Australian citizen and I am eligible to serve. I will continue to take advice on all of these matters as we move forward,” she stated.
She further emphasised her respect for the law and due process before she was declared Senator saying she understands what it entails.
"I do not intend on commenting on the processes that have brought us to this point. As a lawyer, I am deeply respectful of both the legal and electoral processes," she remarked.
Opposition Chief Raila Odinga congratulated Gichuhi through a tweet, commending her for the achievement.
Here is the tweet:
Congratulations Lucy! https://t.co/a2hgh3EPvM
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) April 13, 2017
