Election of Kenya Parliament Speaker (Taken Question)

Question: What is our reaction to the election of Kenneth Marende, from opposition candidate Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement, to speaker of parliament?

We understand that after three rounds of voting, ODM MP Kenneth Marende has been elected Speaker of the Kenyan Parliament by a vote of 105-101. The election of a member of the opposition sends a signal that both sides can and should come together to agree on the way forward. We commend Mr. Marende’s election. We expect that as Speaker, he will constructively work with his fellow elected MPs from all parties to promote national reconciliation and necessary reforms.