Governor Ongwae retains his seat as Ongeri makes a comeback

Kisii County Governor-elect James Ongwae (right) receives his certificate from Kisii County Returning officer Sydney Wamlungu. (Photo Eric Abuga/Standard)

Kisii County Governor James Ongwae has been re-elected for a second term on an ODM party ticket.

Ongwae emerged the winner with 206,110 votes beating his closest rival Chris Obure of Jubilee who garnered 110,760 votes.

Kisii County IEBC returning officer Sydeny Wamlunga declared Ongwae as the governor at Gusii Institute of Technology after tallying exercise that took more than 56 hours.

In his victory speech Ongwae called on all Kisii County residents to unite for the common purpose of achieving economic growth.

“Thank you for the chance to serve as Governor and I commit to serve all without discrimination or regard to political alienation,” he said.

He said: “Elections are now over, and we must come together and forge ahead in our onerous task of building a better Kisii County. During these polls, you have elected a team comprising the Senator, the Woman MP, the Senator and all other leaders whom we shall work together.”

ODM's Janet Ongera was also declared the winner in the Woman Representative race with 171,492 votes.

Jubilee's Doris Aburi came second with 144,973 votes with the incumbent Mra Mary Otara, an independent candidate, garnering 28,345 votes.

"We can build Kisii and transform. There is no more discrimination of disadvantaged groups. Am ready to work with all my able opponents," she said.

Prof Sam Ongeri of ODM has also won the Senate seat after he managed to get 193,375 votes against his closest opponent Mr Omingo Magara of PDP who got 118,688 votes. Former Chairman of the defunct Constitution Implementation Commission (CIC) Charles Nyachae got 71,747 votes.