The County Assembly of Homa Bay has officially announced a vacancy for the position of Speaker following Julius Gaya’s resignation, which came just days before his anticipated impeachment.
Acting Deputy Speaker Samuel Okomo confirmed the Assembly’s receipt of Gaya’s resignation, saying, “I am in receipt of the resignation letter from Hon. Julius Odhiambo Gaya, addressed to the Clerk, pursuant to Standing Order No. 14a (1).”
The Assembly has now advertised the Speaker’s position, inviting qualified candidates to pick up nomination papers at the Clerk’s Office from November 14 to 18, 2024, during office hours.
The vacancy was declared in line with Section 21(5)(d) of the Elections Act, 2011, Section 11(1)(d) of the County Governments Act, 2012, and Standing Order No. 4 of the Assembly’s guidelines. Completed nomination papers and a comprehensive curriculum vitae are to be submitted by 9:30 a.m. on November 19, 2024.
The Assembly will convene on November 21, 2024, for the election of a new Speaker, who will enjoy a gross monthly salary of Sh562,312, as set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
In line with Article 178 of the Constitution, the Speaker of a county assembly, who must be elected from outside the Assembly members, carries significant duties. These include presiding over debates, enforcing adherence to constitutional and statutory guidelines, disciplining members for misconduct, and managing the Assembly’s operations. The Speaker also upholds minority rights while allowing the majority to lead, regulates visitor access to Assembly precincts, and issues writs for vacant seats, ensuring the smooth function of the legislative body.
