The Senate is one of the most important components in keeping the county governments in check. Senators are tasked with the oversight role to ensure that the county governments are run in accordance with the laws establishing them.
On Tuesday, August 9, 14.2 million Kenyans trooped to polling stations to choose their leaders for the next five years, among them, were Senators.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has already declared the 47 senators-elect across the country. Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at the 47 senators-elect as announced by the electoral Commission.
The latest Senator-elect to be announced was Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) Edwin Sifuna who clinched the Nairobi senatorial seat. Sifuna is among newcomers who have made an entry into elective politics.
Other newcomers who will be representing their areas of jurisdiction in the Senate include 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).
Additionally, Mohamed Said Chute (Marsabit), Kathuri Murungi (Meru), Eddy Oketch (Migori), Joe Nyutu (Murang'a), Tabitha Keroche (Nakuru), John Methu (Nyandarua), Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri), Lelegwe Ltumbesi (Samburu), Gataya Mwenda (Tharaka Nithi), Allan Chesang (Trans Nzoia), James Lomenen Ekomwa (Turkana), and Abass Mohamed (Wajir) will be newcomers in the Senate.
Also joining them will be human rights activist Okiya Omtata who was elected as the Busia Senator, upsetting former Attorney General Amos Wako.
Those crossing over from the National Assembly include outgoing Kitutu Chache Member of Parliament, Richard Onyonka (Kisii), Dan Maanzo (Makueni) and Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga).
Osotsi served as a nominated MP in the 12th Parliament on an Amani National Congress (ANC) party ticket representing workers' interests. Maanzo on the other hand served as the Makueni constituency lawmaker.
Additionally, various outgoing governors threw their hats in the senatorial race and won. Those who won include outgoing Uasin Gishu governor, Jackson Mandago, and Ali Roba of Mandera county. The duo will be representing the counties they served as governors.
The August 9 polls also saw veteran politicians make a comeback to Parliament. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's elder brother - Oburu Odinga was elected to represent Siaya county while former Garsen MP, Danson Mungatana, was declared Tana River Senator-elect.
Those who retained their seat include; John Kinyua (Laikipia), Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet), Moses Kajwang (Homa Bay), Johnes Mwaruma (Taita Taveta), Erick Okong'o Omogeni (Nyamira), Ledama Ole Kina( Narok), Samson Cherargei (Nandi).
Others are Mohamed Faki (Mombasa), Agnes Kavindu Muthama (Machakos), Issa Boya (Kwale), Enoch Wambua (Wiper), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi), Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho), Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo), Abdul Haji (Garissa) and Moses Wetangula (Bungoma).
