Homabay MCAs elect new Speaker

By Peter Ochieng

Members of the Homabay County Assembly (MCAs) have elected a new Speaker, days after Julius Gaya resigned hours to his impeachment.

Polycarp Okombo was elected the new Speaker, after getting the support of 46 MCAs, out of the 51 votes.

Okombo recently resigned from the position of County Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Trade, Tourism, Cooperative Development and Marketing.

In what looks like swapping of roles, Homabay governor Gladys Wanga has nominated former Speaker Gaya to take over from Okombo at the department of trade, tourism, cooperative development and marketing.

“The County Government of Homa Bay wishes to announce the nomination by Governor Gladys Wanga of Julius Odhiambo Gaya as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Industry, Tourism, Cooperative Development and Marketing,” Atieno Otieno, Homabay county government Spokesperson and Chief Officer, Public Communication said in a statement.

“This follows the resignation of Polycarp Odhiambo and his subsequent election asSpeaker of the County Assembly of Homa Bay.”

The statement touted Gaya as a seasoned leader with extensive experience in leadership and governance.

“Governor Glady Wanga believes that Guya is well-positioned to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor,” added Atieno Otieno.

The nomination has been forwarded to the County Assembly for vetting as stipulated in the Constitution and the County Governments Act.

Julius Gaya resigned from the position of Homa Bay County Assembly Speaker on November 12, 2024.

His resignation came hours before MCAs considered an impeachment motion against him.

The resignation was communicated to members of the Assembly by the deputy Speaker, Okings Okomo. “Honourable Members, I am in receipt of the resignation letter of Hon Julius Gaya as the Speaker of this County Assembly addressed to the Clerk,” he stated.

Gaya thanked the members for the opportunity accorded to him to serve the Assembly as the 3rd Speaker, since the promulgation of the new Constitution.

He was elected by MCAs in 2022.