ODM sweeps Kisii County seats

By ROBERT NYASATO

Prime Minister Raila Odinga led ODM swept all the three top seats inKisii County in a hotly contested election.

Public Works Minister Chris Obure dealt a blow to his Foreign Affairs counterpart, Prof Sam Ongeri’s political career after he emerged tops to become inaugural Kisii County senator.

Obure’s win also put a stopper to former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara’s bid to bounce back to political limelight.

When votes from nine constituencies in the county of Bobasi, Kitutu Chache South, Kitutu Chache North, Nyaribari Masaba, South Mugirango, Bonchari, Bomachoge Borabu, Nyaribari Chache and Bomachoge Borabu were tallied at Gusii Institute of Technology, Obure trounced his seven opponents.

Obure who is the immediate former Bobasi MP garnered 120,351 out of a total 414, 945 to be declared winner by County Returning Officer Shem Nyangau slightly after 4pm.

Prof Ongeri of TNA who is immediate Nyaribari Masaba MP amassed 106,325 votes to emerge second while Magara of PDP came third with 100, 754 in the hotly contested poll described as a contest of Gusii political giants.

Only Magara was present when the results were announced and he dismissed them saying he was rigged out and would seek redress.

In the gubernatorial race, former PS James Ongwae polled a decisive 230 181 votes to be declared first governor of Kisii County beating five other contenders for the seat.

His closest rival, university don cum lawyer Lumumba Nyaberi of TNA came a distant second with 63,752 while university lecturer, Prof Zadok Ogutu(UDF) came third with 16, 478 votes.

Except Ongwae none of the contenders for the seat were at the tallying hall.

Mary Sally Keraa was decalred winer for the women representative’s slot after she garnered a convincing 115,844 votes flooring her major competitor Brigit Ombati who managed 64,606 while city lawyer Jane Matoke of Ford People managed  43, 002 with TNA Judith Kerubo got 38038.

Mrs Omabti and Matoke who were the only candidates present at the tallying center protested the results saying their was fraud and doctoring of figures in favour of the winner.

Obure and Ongwae spent a night at the hall waiting for declaration of the results.

Prof Ongeri rejected the outcome saying results were doctored in favour of the ODM candidates and moved a motion to file a petition.