Nyanza leaders upbeat after poll, say it's region's defining moment

Nyamira ODM governorship candidate Timothy Bosire said the county had experienced calm all through the campaigns and was geared for better days.

"We haven't seen any ugly incidents on the voting day. All we need are leaders who can steer the county to prosperity. We need accountable leaders," he said.

Region's destiny

Kisii Woman Rep candidate Janet Ongera (ODM) said voters had the opportunity to decide the destiny of Kisii County through the ballot.

"We have been presented with an opportunity to elect leaders with the knowledge that we can transform the county by voting in qualified leaders," she said.

Governorship candidate Chris Obure (Jubilee) said leaders who will be elected should work in harmony. "The focus is not on who has more energy to fight other leaders, but who best addresses the wishes of Kisii people," he said.

Gladys Wanga casts her vote at the Alara Kolayo polling station. [James Omoro, Standard]

Both of them have been campaigning on a platform of change and development for the devolved unit that has been a subject of ridicule over its sluggish implementation of devolution in the last 10 years.

Former Chief Administrative Secretary for East Africa Community Ken Obura, who cast his vote at Jomo Kenyatta Sportsground, lauded the poll process by the IEBC and threw his weight behind the expectations that the polls will be a defining moment for Nyanza.

Across the region, voters interviewed in Migori, Siaya, Kisii, Nyamira and Kisumu said they expected the incoming leaders to focus on the economy, job creation and security.