Winners of 2017 general elections in West Pokot County have been awarded their certificates by the independent and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as Kachapin concedes defeat .
The ceremony that took place yesterday night at County tallying centre at Mtelo hall saw leaders drawn from different political divide.
Yesterday supporters of the winners thronged the streets of Makutano Township to celebrate their victory.
They made a triumphant entry at the County tallying centre at Mtelo hall even before the final results were announced.
West Pokot Governor elect Prof. John Lonyangapuo garnered 86,822 against his Simon Kachapin who got 63,691 while senator elect Samuel Poghisyo (KANU) garnered 91569 against Julius Murgor of Jubilee who got 59,277 .
In Women Rep race Lilian Tomi Tom (Jubilee) garnered 62,785 after beating his closet rival Catherine Mukenyang (Kanu) who got 52,988 out of 712 polling centers were declared winners by the IEBC County returning officer Mr. John Mwangi .
Others in the women representative seat like immediate former County Women representative Regina Nyeris got 2535,Knight Chongorio got 716,Bright Chepkasan got 839,Teresa Lokichu got 2,568,Lilian Plapan got 1,411 and Mary Lokiriko got 613
Governor Simon Kachapin of jubilee party conceded defeat after official announcement of results by IEBC at County tallying centre in Mtelo hall .
Other new elected leaders who were declared winners in their constituencies include members of parliament of Kapenguria Samuel Moroto(Jubilee) who garnered 16,094 after beating Luka Chepelion of Kanu who got 15,131 and Haron Siwatum Rumaita (National Vision Party) who got 6000.
Mark Lomunokol (Kacheliba)of PDR Party got 16,120 and was declared winner after defeating John Lodinyo (Jubilee) who got 13,620 and Ibrahim Longolomoi of Kanu who got 3,520 and Albany Peter who got 167 votes.
In Sigor constituency MP elect Peter Lochakapong was declared the winner and awarded certificate
In Pokot South constituency David Pkossing retained his seat with 19033 votes against Stephen Kolimuk[Kanu] who got 17954 and Simon Kalekem[CCM] who gannered 4056 votes.
In his acceptance Speech West Pokot County Governor elect Prof John Krop Lonyangapuo promised to unite all the elected leaders in the county for development to be realized.
“We don’t want to work in isolation.We shall be doing consultation even with our competitors to ensure a balanced development.,”he said.
Prof. Lonyangapuo warned against divisive politics in the County .
Prof said he will promote peaceful coexistence between the neighboring Counties of Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet.
Outgoing West Pokot County Governor Simon Kachapin conceded defeat at 4 am this morning and congratulated Lonyangapuo for the win.
“Leadership is given by the people and democracy is all about respecting the will of the people ,”he said.
He said that he will collaborate with the national government to spur development in the area.
Kachapin cited that he has laid foundation in the county for the period he has served as the Governor urging his successor to continue with the projects he initiated.
He added saying that he will be the opposition leader in the county and criticize the incoming government.
However Only three members of County assembly retained their seats as Jubilee party got 9 seats in the County assembly while Kanu party got 8 seats .