Former Turkana executive Charles Lokioto elected Speaker

Former Turkana Disaster Management Executive Charles Lokioto was on Thursday elected as the fourth Speaker of the County Assembly. This follows the resignation of Christopher Nakuleu two weeks ago.

Mr Lokioto won the race against six candidates, including two-term Turkana Central MP and second runner-up in the 2022 gubernatorial contest, John Lodepe, who vied on a UDA ticket, and former County Finance Chief Officer Abraham Losinyen, who was making a second attempt after being disqualified previously for failing to resign within the stipulated time.

Out of the 44 votes cast in the first round, Mr Lokioto garnered 19 votes, Mr Losinyen 12, Mr Lodepe five, Dr Daniel Ingolan four, while Mr Jeremiah Apalia and Samuel Eregae received two votes each.

In the final round of voting, Mr Lokioto secured 30 votes, defeating Mr Losinyen who got 14 votes.

In his maiden speech, the newly elected Speaker stated that he would prioritise unity of purpose not only with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) but also with all the staff who support house committees.

"I know as a House we have systems that we shall collectively review to assess their achievements and challenges so that our decisions are well-informed. We must ensure that what is due to the electorate is well executed," said Mr Lokioto, who also served in various ministries during former Governor Josphat Nanok’s two terms.

Before resigning, Mr Nakuleu stated that he succumbed to political pressure and stepped down after questioning procurement procedures related to relief food supplies by the Turkana County Government.

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