Lawi Kibire Elected Speaker of County Assembly of Elgeyo Marakwet

Former MCA of Metkei Ward, Lawi Kipngetich Kibire, was elected on Tuesday to succeed Philemon Kiplagat Sabulei as Speaker of the County Assembly of Elgeyo Marakwet.

Kibire, who was a first-time Member of the County Assembly representing Metkei until Sabulei recently resigned to join the national government’s Interior Ministry on January 30, defeated his chief and only rival to take over the famous Speaker’s chair.

Sabulei had been the Speaker for more than seven years since the 2017 General Elections, and he was competing with the former Health CEC (County Executive Committee), Kiprono Chepkok, for the seat. This was after several contestants, including businessman Kimutai Murgor, Madam Gladys Jeruto, and Bob Kipkorir, declared interest but dropped their bids moments before the elections on February 11.

He won 28 votes, more than the required two-thirds, which is 21, in the county assembly with 31 MCAs. Chepkok only managed one vote, one vote was spoilt, and one MCA was absent during the elections at the county assembly headquarters in Iten town.

“I am grateful for the honour bestowed on me to serve as Speaker,” said Kibire after the win.

Elgeyo Marakwet County Assembly Clerk Jane Mutai presided over the exercise, which saw him sworn in immediately.

The new Speaker, upon election, must now resign from his political party and remain separate from political issues after ceasing to represent the people of his ward.

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