Kilifi politico of Italian origin quits politics after three consecutive losses
Franco Esposito, a Kenyan of Italian descent, who was eyeing the Kilifi governor's race, has announced he is exiting politics to focus on his personal life.
Esposito, famously known as Kasoso Baya, was among the aspirants who lost in the gubernatorial race, which ODM's Gideon Mung'aro won with 143,773 votes ahead of Aisha Jumwa of UDA who managed 65,893 votes. George Kithi of the PAA party came third with 64, 326 votes.
Esposito managed 2,709 votes in the results released by IEBC on Friday night.
In an interview at his residence in Malindi, the seasoned politician said he will continue working at his Woburn residence, a Multi-million luxurious property comprising hotel apartments.
"I think I will retire after this, but I will remain and die in Kenya since it's my country and I love it; however, I will devote more time to myself and travelling to explore the globe," Esposito said.
According to him, the voting exercise was peaceful, despite some regions experiencing voter bribery incidents and others discovering ballot papers with some pre-organized ballots.
"Unfortunately, there was a lot of voter bribing during the elections, yet most Kilifi residents are poor and cannot afford even 100 Shillings to buy flour," he said.
He congratulated the incoming governor Gideon Mung'aro and the other leaders for winning and asked them to prioritize education if they aimed at creating a positive change in the county.
"Am hoping that the elected governor and parliamentarians will prioritize education. It is essential, especially in today's competitive world, for children to attend school," he said.
