Azimio Candidate Kennedy Okeyo Wins First Round in Nairobi Speaker Race

Ng'ondi was declared the winner by the Clerk of the Nairobi County Assembly, Edward Gichana, who ascertained that he had attained the simple majority of the votes cast in the first round.

Ng'ondi garnered 71 votes against opponent Hassan Robow who bagged 52 votes. However, Ng'ondi did not garner two-thirds of the votes cast, with a likelihood of a second round.

The election was conducted after the swearing-in of 124 Members of County Assembly (MCAs) - 85 elected and 39 nominated. 

Ng'ondi is not new to City Hall politics having served as Deputy Speaker in the inaugural house between 2013 and 2017. 

Initially elected as the MCA for Kware Ward in Embakasi South Constituency, he also served on the assembly's Public Health Committee.

24 candidates had collected nomination papers but only nine submitted duly completed forms to the office of the clerk.  However, many interested individuals were disqualified over failure to meet the constitutional requirements.

Among them was Kenya Kwanza candidate and outgoing Speaker Benson Mutura, whose name was struck off the list of contenders. He did not submit clearance certificates from the Kenya Revenue Authority or the National Police Service.

Others who were locked out include  Arthur Ngugi, Charles Muratha, Austine Amimo, Ahmed Dubon, Samwel Masaki and Brian Mutie.

A number of ODM lawmakers followed the proceedings from the gallery including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Woman Rep Esther Passaris, Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang' and Lang'ata lawmaker Phelix Odiwuor Jalang'o.