Susan Mangeni who is among those locked out of the race. [PHOTO/Reuben Olita]
Five candidates have been disqualified in the race for the Busia County Assembly Speaker's position after failing to beat the Monday 9am deadline for returning nomination forms.
The four, according to Assembly Clerk Allan Mabuka are Susan Mang’eni who contested for the Woman Representative position in the August 8 election, Francis Chachi, Henry Ndagwa and Tony Omeri.
Simon Wandera Bwire had earlier on been kicked out of the race after allegedly returning blank nomination forms.
Bwire was among the four who returned their nomination papers before the deadline though. Others included the First Assembly Speaker Bernard Wamalwa, Busia County Education Board Chairman Prof Onyango Odebero and Fwaya Ojwang’.
Mabuka said copies of curriculum vitae of the qualified members have been made available to the Members of the County Assembly for scrutiny.
Angurai North Ward MCA Lawrence Okaale is set to assume the position of Deputy Speaker after sailing unopposed. He will replace former Angurai South Ward MCA Moses Otee.
“Having worked at Baringo and Bomet County Assemblies as Sergeant at Arms I have learnt on the procedures of the Assembly which I will use to improve legislation and oversight role of the Members of the County Assembly,” Okaal said.
“I will also use my experience as former Inspector of Police in balancing my emotions to help the Speaker deliver on the Assembly mandate,” he said.