BREAKING NEWS: Its’s Fernandes Barasa the second, Malala concedes defeat

Barasa garnered 192,929 votes against to trounce Mr Malala who got garnered 159, 508 votes.

By Seliphar Musungu and Dennis Avokoyo

Fernandes Barasa of ODM is the Governor Elect of Kakamega County after defeating his rival, Cleophas Malala of ANC.

Barasa garnered 192,929 votes against to trounce Mr Malala who got garnered 159, 508 votes.

"I want to thank all Kakamega residents for voting for me overwhelmingly. My biggest interest is to serve you wholeheartedly. I call upon my competitors to join hands with me so we can deliver the best for the people of Kakamega, said Barasa.

Joseph Ayata, the county returning officer declared Barasa as the second Kakamega county governor and issued him with a certificate.

Speaking at the Kakamega county tallying center, Barasa has thanked residents of Kakamega for trusting in him. He has vowed to join hand with everyone for the interest of the Kakamega residents

“I want to thank all Kakamega residents for voting for me overwhelmingly. My biggest interest is to serve you wholeheartedly. I call upon my competitors to join hands with me so we can deliver the best for the people of Kakamega,” said Barasa.

Other candidates in the governor’s race are Cyrus Jirongo of UDP who got 5,974 votes, Suleiman Sumba (Kanu) got 1,078 votes, Michael Sakwa (Independent) got 1,146 votes, Samuel Omukoko of MDP garnered 761 votes and Austine Opitso (Independent) got 150 votes

Barasa will succeed Oparanya to become Kakamega’s second governor.

“I want to thank all Kakamega residents for voting for me overwhelmingly. My biggest interest is to serve you wholeheartedly. I call upon my competitors to join hands with me so we can deliver the best for the people of Kakamega, said Barasa.

Mr Malala, the former Kakamega senator has already conceded defeat.

Speaking a few minutes after his lead opponent Fernandes Barasa was announced as the governor elect in the just concluded Kakamega gubernatorial elections, Malala thanked his supporters for standing by his side despite him losing.

"We lost by more than 20,000 votes, my congratulations go to Barasa and his entire team for the good work they did, I will join forces with Barasa to make Kakamega a better place", added Malala.

“I am grateful to all who voted for me and those who didn’t vote for me, at my personal level, I have accepted the results. I ask my supporters to stay calm as we focus in the future”, said Malala

The outgoing Senator congratulated his opponent for winning the elections. He has vowed to work closely with the incoming government to ensure residents of Kakamega county are well served

“We lost by more than 20,000 votes, my congratulations go to Barasa and his entire team for the good work they did, I will join forces with Barasa to make Kakamega a better place”, added Malala.

Malala dismissed earlier allegations that there was vote rigging, commending IEBC on conducting a free and fair election.

” This was one of the most peaceful and fair elections. I applaud the IEBC for conducting a transparent and just election” he said

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