Simba Arati wins Kisii governor seat
Simba Arati has been elected the second governor of Kisii county.
Arati, who vied on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) under the Azimio la Umoja coalition garnered 270,938 votes against his closest rival, Ezekiel Machogu of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. 82,104 votes.
Handing him over a certificate at Kisii National polytechnic, County Returning Officer, Michael Kosgey said the area has 637,010 registered voters and the turn-up was 63 per cent.
Arati's rivals, Senator prof. Sam Ongeri, DAPK and Bishop Josiah Onyancha, Independent conceded defeat and pledged to work with him.
"Arati is validly the governor of Kisii county. Let us embrace peace, it will take us far" Ongeri said.
Bishop Onyancha said they will pray for Arati and work together.
James Ongwae, the outgoing governor commended Arati for his victory.
" I wish you all the best and travel with God," Ongwae said on phone
The governor he has put a transition committee in place chaired by County Secretary, Patrick Lumumba for him to take over the government smoothly.
Arati appealed to health workers on strike over unpaid salaries to return to work tomorrow and pledged to pay them.
Extending an olive branch to his rivals the governor-elect urged to work with him to foster development in the county.
" I want to promise to bring them on board to guide me through the process of governing the County' Arati asserted.
Accompanied by deputy, Dr Robert Monda, Senator-elect, Richard Onyonka and Dorice Donya, woman Rep, Wiper, he dismissed allegations he will sack employees from Bogetutu clan, terming them baseless and unfounded.
He urged residents to criticise his government objectively, stressing he will not condone workers involved in corruption.
Manson Oyongo, KNC got 22,527, Ongeri, 3,782, Josephat Onchiri, 1,022 and Onyancha, 389. A total of 400864 votes were valid. Ends
