Sealed With A Kiss: Kenyan-Born Lucy Gichuhi Sworn In To Serve As Senator In Australia

Kenyan-born lawyer and recently elected South Australian Senator Lucy Gichuhi has been sworn in. She becomes Australia's first black African member of federal parliament.According to 9News channel, Senator Gichuhi was warmly welcomed by colleagues as she took her seat in the Senate filling the South Australian seat left vacant for more than six months by the resignation of Family First's Bob Day.In a brief message on Facebook, Senator Gichuhi said:

"I am honoured and humbled to be sworn in today as the first-ever person of black African descent in the Australian parliament. I thank God, my husband and daughters, my father and all other friends, family and supporters for your encouragement, and sharing the vision we hold to unite Australia as one."

The Kenyan-born lawyer arrived in Australia with her husband and children in 1999 and became an Australian citizen in 2001.Labor unsuccessfully tried to challenge her eligibility amid questions about her Kenyan citizenship.The Advertiser reported that about 100 friends and supporters packed the public gallery to watch on as the Kenyan-born lawyer put her hand on the bible and swore allegiance to the Queen.Her swearing-in brings the total number of senators back to 76