This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
July 9, 2019 - Nairobi, Kenya
Naomi Waqo, a nominated senator, has been endorsed to chair the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, following a deal struck by the committee members.
The endorsement came after an election scheduled for Tuesday was aborted due to a lack of quorum, with only four senators present.
According to sources, the committee members agreed to honor a gentleman's agreement that had been struck before deposing the previous chairperson, Philip Mpayee.
Under the deal, Waqo, who is currently the vice-chairperson, was to take over as the chair of the committee.
However, Kitui Senator Enock Wambua had earlier expressed interest in vying for the chairmanship, but later distanced himself from the claims, terming them 'media creations.'
Following her endorsement, Waqo told Capital FM News that she will now write to Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka seeking to have the election for the vice-chairperson held next week on Tuesday.
Waqo succeeded Mpayee, who was ousted through a vote of no confidence against his leadership.
