Kolosh wins by big margin to regain seat he lost in petition

Ahmed Kolosh (left) is congratulated by his competitor Ibrahim Sheik of KANU after winning the Wajir West by-election. (Phillip Orwa, Standard)

Jubilee Party candidate Ahmed Kolosh successfully defended his Wajir West parliamentary seat in a by-election.

Out of 17,606 votes cast, Mr Kolosh garnered 11,053 while Kanu’s Sheikh Ibrahim got 6,532 votes.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said there was over 60 per cent voter turnout in 75 polling stations

The constituency has 27,544 registered voters in four wards: Ganyure/Wagalla, Adam Admasajide, Hadado/Athibohol, and Arbajahan.

Mr Ibrahim conceded defeat after the results were announced yesterday morning at Griftu Primary School by IEBC returning officer Mourice Raria.

The Kanu candidate said the people of Wajir had made their choice and it was a fair decision.

Mass failure

“I am calling on my supporters to keep the peace and support the MP-elect Kolosh. The main issue we both agree on for the people of Wajir West is our boundary, this is not negotiable,” Ibrahim said.

In his victory speech, an elated Kolosh thanked the voters for braving the harsh weather conditions and turning up to vote.

“I want to thank the voters who stood in the sun for hours while unsure of where they next meal will come from due to the drought,” he said.

He promised to unite the constituency, and work with all leaders Wajir West residents can benefit.

“I am sure that with Ibrahim’s plan and mine, we shall do what is best for the people of this constituency,” Kolosh said.

Chaos

Kolosh decamped from ODM party after the Supreme Court overturned his election on January 19 and contested on Jubilee Party ticket.

The by-election was hit by mass failure of the biometric kits but this was resolved by the IEBC officials.

There were chaos at Wajir Girls High School and Habaswein polling stations on Thursday after the candidates’ supporters clashed over bribery claims.