MCAs debate at the County assembly at a past function. [Photo/barakafm.org]Prominent businessman Khatib Ibrahim has been elected Mombasa County speaker. Ibrahim, a close ally of Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan, was on Wednesday elected the speaker unopposed after other candidates were locked from the race for submitting their papers late.
Port Reitz Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Fadhil Mwakarani Mwalimu will deputize the new speaker.
Former Speaker Mundhari was among those who expressed interest in the seat but he was also locked out over late submissions.
The election of the speaker came after the swearing in ceremony of the MCAs, which was conducted by the county assembly clerk, Salim Juma.
A new elected MCA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Khatib was the only applicant for the post as opposed to speculations that other Joho’s allies had also hinted at contesting. “Those were just rumor. The only application we saw was that of Arub,” he said, as quoted by Star.
The county assembly is made up of 30 elected MCAs and 12 nominated ones.The leader of majority seat has been retained by Mtongwe MCA.
The chief Whip and leader of the minority will be unveiled later.