Muturi was my campus roommate, Wetangula says

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula. [File, Standard]

Former Bungoma Senator Moses Masika Wetangula has officially taken over as the Speaker of the National Assembly.

In his acceptance speech, Wetangula revealed that Justin Muturi, his immediate predecessor was his classmate and roommate at the University of Nairobi.

He adds that they have been personal friends for years as they both studied law at UoN and debuted in parliament together in the 7^th parliament.

"Most people do not know that Justin Muturi is not only my predecessor but he was also my roommate at the University of Nairobi. He was my schoolmate in law school at the same institution," Wetangula said then paused shortly.

"He was my classmate many years back, is my agemate and a longtime friend. We debuted together in parliament. I don't know whether it is fate, a sheer coincidence or God's plan," he added.

Wetangula has also pledged to prioritise two issues; enhancing public trust in the parliament and nurturing and upholding relations with other state offices among them the judiciary and senate.

He has also promised to hasten live broadcast of the National Assembly committee proceedings as well as the full realisation of Bunge TV whose construction is underway.

"A speaker does not speak but allows members to speak and maintains order in the house. In this case, I will allow my work to speak for me," he said.

The new Speaker has also hailed his predecessor, saying he has achieved so much in the last ten years.

"Muturi will be remembered for the great achievements he made in the previous regime. He did a great job for the country,"

While addressing the lawmakers in the House on Thursday night, he promised the MPs in the 13^th parliament that they will occupy the new modern offices, whose construction began under the previous government.

According to him, 55 per cent of MPs have been re-elected.

He has also recognized the great steps made towards achieving the two-third gender rule.

"The previous government had 76 women in the National Assembly up from 68 in Kibaki's era. Today we have 82 female members with 29 elected. This is a significant step towards achieving the two third gender rule,"