Battle to replace Busia Governor Ojaamong begins as elders endorse MP Bunyasi

Bakhayo Council of Elders chairman Peter Mangeni (left) reads statement to the media with Nambale MP Sakwa Bunyasi (right). [Ignatius Odanga?/Standard]

With about four years to the next General Election, what seems as a battle for the Busia governorship has started in earnest.

Already, the Bakhayo Council of Elders from Nambale and Matayos constituencies have endorsed Nambale Member of Parliament Sakwa Bunyasi as an ideal replacement for Governor Sospeter Ojaamong'.

The elders’ chair, Peter Mangeni said that Bunyasi was the best bet for the Busia gubernatorial position. “We have vetted him thoroughly and unanimously agreed as elders that he has what it takes to take our county to greater heights,” said Mangeni.

Bunyasi who is serving his second term as the Nambale constituency lawmaker accepted the endorsement and observed that he was ready to compete with others who will emerge.

“I have traversed better part of the county to get some reactions and held consultative meetings with various leaders, there is goodwill,” said Bunyasi.

Sources say that Bunyasi is a very a close ally of Amani National Congress (ANC) Musalia Mudavadi and may choose to vie on ANC party ticket.

The Agricultural Finance Cooperation (AFC) Managing Director Lucas Meso and Engineer Vincent Sidai who contested in 2013 on United Democratic Forum (UDF) but lost to Governor Ojaamong have also shown interest for the Busia County boss seat.

Present during a press briefing were; Philip Masinde, former Labour Minister in retired President Daniel Moi’s regime and Stephen Wabala, former Busia council of elders chair.