Uasin Gishu County Woman Member of Parliament Gladys Boss Shollei has joined the race to be the next National Assembly Deputy Speaker.
Shollei formerly joined the race on Tuesday evening.
The position has been declared vacant with interested individuals asked to pick nomination papers.
National Assembly rules reserves the Deputy Speak position to elected MPs only.
While expressing interest for the seat, Shollei asked MPs to support her bid.
She pledged to work with all fellow legislators for an efficient Parliament.
“My congratulations to all elected Honourable Members of the National Assembly. I humbly request for your support as I seek the Office of Deputy Speaker,” Shollei said in a post on her official Facebook page.
“I pledge to work with all to deliver an efficient 13th Parliament. Your support is critical and will be highly appreciated,” she added.
Key Ruto ally
The Uasin Gishu County Woman MP has emerged as a key figure in President-elect William Ruto’s political circle.
In the recently concluded election, she played a critical role especially during the verification of presidential results at the Bomas of Kenya.
Further, Shollei is among legal minds that Ruto seconded to the transitioning committee planning for the upcoming swearing-in ceremony.
In the Deputy Speaker’s race, Shollei is the frontrunner based on the numbers that favour his Kenya Kwanza Coalition.
However, she is expected to face a stiff competition from former Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim who is likely to enjoy the support of Azimio legislators.
Maalim returned to Parliament after winning the Daadab MP seat in the August 9 general election.
Election of the Deputy Speaker will be held this Thursday alongside the Speaker.
In the race for the National Assembly Speaker, it is expected to be a battle between Bungoma Senator-elect Moses Wetangula and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.
Wetangula was allocated the seat in a coalition agreement signed between his Ford Kenya party and UDA as well as ANC.
