Hillary Barchok sworn in as Bomet Governor (Photos)

Hillary Barchok is sworn in as Bomet Governor at Bomet Green Stadium.

Hillary Barchok was on Thursday sworn in as Bomet County third Governor, a week after Dr Joyce Laboso passed on.

Deputy President William Ruto was among leaders who attended the event at Bomet Green Stadium. Laboso's husband, Edwin Abonyo was also present.

He told Barchok, “there is no contestation about you taking over…You have our support as a family.”

The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Kericho High Court Judge George Dullu.

In his speech, Barchok said, “I commit to ensuring that the values and principles Dr Joyce Laboso stood for will be reflected in my leadership. It is upon us all to live in a way that honours her memory.”

He becomes the third Bomet Governor after the late Laboso and Isaac Ruto.

During Laboso’s burial on Saturday at Fort Ternan in Kisumu, Barchok promised to take the county to greater heights in honour of his fallen boss.

“We will honour her by completing all the projects she started. This government will remain Dr Laboso’s government until the five-year term is over,” he said.

Dr Laboso succumbed to cancer last month at Nairobi Hospital and was buried last Saturday.

And Barchok vowed to corporate with the Government to ensure the cancer menace is tackled.

“We cannot sit back and talk about cancer anymore. We appreciate the commitment the President made, to see that chemotherapy and radiotherapy equipment at Longisa Referral Hospital are operationalised by September.”

Governor Barchok also promised that he will “ensure that the ‘Inua mama na kuku’ program roll-out will be completed.” The project was launched by Dr Laboso.

Barchok also thanked the late Laboso for believing in him and picking him as her running mate when she barely knew him.

The former deputy governor had earlier told mourners at Laboso’s funeral that he never lobbied to be appointed as her deputy but was picked by the governor while on a trip to London.