Migori County Assembly has elected Christopher Odhiambo Rusana as the new Speaker following the impeachment of the former speaker Charles Owino Likowa.
Charles Owino had served as the fourth speaker of Migori County Assembly since devolution and was impeached by 59 out of 60 Members of the County Assembly over allegations of poor management of County Assembly matters and lack of accountability over the Assembly’s finance Affairs.
Christopher Rusana, the incoming speaker, worked in the previous government as the County Secretary before being appointed by the current regime as the County Executive Committee Member for Water and Energy.
The race to succeed Likowa attracted 12 candidates; Christopher Odhiambo Rusana, Tony Blair Ongus, Aluoch Willis Aluoch, Jane Moronge Marowa, Castro Baraza Odhiambo, Awuonda Jared Otieno and Mdeizi Sagwa Alfred.
Other qualified candidates included Jobando Peter Osieko, Steve Ogony Martin, Francis Ndar and Allan Chacha.
Rusana garnered a total of 45 out of 59 votes cast followed by Francis Ndar who got 13 votes and Allan Chacha with 1 vote, while the remaining candidates got zero votes in total
Speaking to the press after the election, Rusana promised to work with all members of the county assembly without favouritism, for the development of the house and foster a congruent relationship with the executive.
“This house has a responsibility to facilitate the running of Migori County Executive. We shall have a working relationship with them to ensure a timely processing of bills and every other thing that requires the member’s attention,” he said.
Additionally, he commended the House for conducting a peaceful election and gave an assurance that the House will continue to enjoy peaceful cohesion during his tenure.
“I applaud members of this assembly for showing their political maturity during this transitional moment. I believe with their support we will make Migori County Assembly better,” said Rusana.
conversely, other contestants, led by Willis Aluoch, congratulated the new speaker and promised to work together to restore the glory of Migori County.