Recently elected Members of the County Assembly of Uasin Gishu will have to wait a little bit longer before they officially start their legislative role.
The MCAs were expected to be sworn in on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
However, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim alias Koti Moja has not yet gazetted the date for the first assembly sitting that would allow for the MCA’s swearing-in.
The law requires that a governor gazettes the date when the County Assembly can convene for the swearing-in ceremony.
It is also required that a County Assembly holds its first session at least 30 days after the general election.
That period ends later this week on September 8, 2022.
But even with the governor not having gazetted the date for the first assembly session, other factors have contributed to the delay.
A source at the Uasin Gishu County Assembly says failure by IEBC to gazette names of nominated MCAs has also contributed to the delay in the swearing-in ceremony.
At least 14 nominated MCAs are expected to be gazetted.
“Swearing in ceremony and election of the speaker until nominated MCAs are gazetted so that they also participate as required by law. Will inform you of a new date. This affects all nominated across the country,” the source told Uasin Gishu News.
Election of Speaker
Aside from the swearing-in ceremony, the first business of the MCAs will be to elect the Speaker.
Several individuals have already expressed interest in the Speaker’s seat in Uasin Gishu.
They include the immediate former leader of the majority Josphat Lowoi. Lowoi lost in a bid to secure a third term as the Karuna/Mibeki MCA at the UDA nomination level.
Former Speaker Isaac Terer is also said to be in the race, as well as Eldoret-based lawyer Christopher Mitei.
Lands Chief Officer Advocate Ruth Chelashaw was also said to be in the race.
But when Uasin Gishu News contacted her, she said she was yet to make up her mind on whether to vie for the seat or not.
Advertisements for the Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker will be made once a gazette notice is made for the first session.
