Pomp and colour marks swearing in of Kisii county leaders

By Robert Nyasato

It was colour and pomp as Kisii Governor-elect James Ongwae and his entourage snaked his way through Kisii Town amid tight security to Gusii Stadium for the swearing in ceremony.

Led by Pope Benedict the 16th Minor Seminary, Masongo band, the entourage held a procession from St Vincent’s Pastoral Center for about three kilometers before arriving at the stadium to a huge reception.

The trappings of power were clear as the governor was sandwiched by guards in plains clothes and chauffeured in an official car mounted with the national flag.

The dais was reserved for dignitaries including Kisii Senator-elect Chris Obure, CIC Chairman Charles Nyachae, Coperatives permanent secretary Seno Nyakenyanya, Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof Sorana Akama, County Assembly Speaker Kerosi Ondieki with the county representatives being allocated a tent adjacent to the main podium which was red carpeted.

The podium was cordoned off by security men. Some residents were heard lamenting that the governor had suddenly transformed and was not beyond their reach unlike during the campaigns.

However it was the Gusii Council of Elders who stole the show after they grabbed the governor immediately he was sworn in and whisked him to a tent where they adorned him with traditional regalia before blessing to take over the office.