Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula alias Papa Wa Roma as he is commonly referred to is now the third most powerful man in Kenya after being sworn in as the speaker of the National assembly.
The now former Bungoma senator was declared speaker after garnering 215 votes against Kenneth Marende who got 130 votes during the first round of voting.
For one to be declared speaker, he/she must garner at least two thirds of the votes during the first round of voting. None of the two candidates met the threshold and members of the National Assembly were supposed to vote for the second round but Marende withdrew from the race hence giving Wetang’ula an easy pass to the position of speaker.
Most people have however been left wondering why Wetang’ula is referred to as Papa Wa Roma, or how he ended up getting that name.
Although the first incident for him to be referred to that still remains unknown, a resident from Bungoma explained why they refer to him as Papa Wa Roma.
“In making sure his leadership is recognized from villages, sub county, county and countrywide, is just like the way the Pope or a church leader gives direction in a service or meeting, the direction goes to Padres, community and all people follow suit,” he said.
According to him, those who failed to follow the direction of Wetang’ula in the last general elections were left in tears.
“That is why here in Bungoma and Western Kenya, when he passes people say Papa Wa Roma because everything that he says is like an summon, law and principles which will definitely pass,” the Bungoma resident explained.
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