Keorapetse shocks me – Boko
Spira Tlhankane | Monday September 15, 2025 13:09
Speaking during the Pan-Commonwealth Forum this week, President Boko praised Keorapetse’s composed leadership in the often-heated environment of the National Assembly. He described the Speaker as “inimitable” and noted that his calm and balanced approach to debate management has set a new benchmark for parliamentary conduct.
“The inimitable Keorapetse, they seem not to come any better than him. He handles the debates in Parliament with such maturity. Sometimes he surprises and shocks me. When the advocate and lawyer in me would have exploded and lashed out, I see him holding everything down,” President Boko admitted candidly.
Boko said Keorapetse mediates parliamentary proceedings with so much respect. “We recognise you and the great work that you do,” Boko said as he showered the former Member of Parliament (MP) with praise.
Boko highlighted that Keorapetse handles the pressure in Parliament with remarkable restraint and fairness. Keorapetse has surprised many by upholding fairness and integrity in his role as Speaker of the House. Despite his former home Botswana Congress Party (BCP) making it their mission to remove him from the Selibe Phikwe West legislative seat last October, Keorapetse has not let that influence his parliamentary rulings.
Keorapetse, who made history as the youngest individual to be appointed Speaker of the National Assembly, has continued to garner respect from across the political divide for his transparency, neutrality, and commitment to upholding the integrity of the House.
Since assuming the role, he has been widely praised for ensuring that all voices, regardless of political affiliation, are heard in Parliament, while maintaining order and decorum. Observers and MPs alike have credited Keorapetse with restoring confidence in the legislative process through his principled stance and even-handed mediation.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Keorapetse’s leadership style appears to signal a new era of parliamentary discourse, one grounded in mutual respect, constitutionalism, and democratic maturity.
Some held the notion that Keorapetse, who contested last year’s election under the UDC, would favour his own party MPs. Keorapetse, who lost to BCP’s Reuben Kaizer in the last election, has proven otherwise, fearlessly holding the UDC members accountable and correcting them when necessary.
Part of Keorapetse’s prowess in directing parliamentary proceedings can be apportioned to his background in political science and public administration. He also has experience as a political science lecturer at the University of Botswana. “Keorapetse just like me is a fugitive, he ran away from academia,” Boko said this week. Keorapetse’s deep understanding of parliamentary Standing Orders, combined with thorough research, has earned him respect across the political spectrum. On several occasions, he has had to guide party members, particularly Cabinet Ministers, who are still gaining confidence in responding to parliamentary questions.
Besides being the youngest Speaker in Botswana’s history, Keorapetse is also the youngest in the Southern African region, and the second youngest in Africa.