Former West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo was on Monday sworn in as the second West Pokot County Governor at Kishaunet Show Ground by high court Judge Geoffrey Kimondo. His Deputy Dr. Nicholas Owon Atudonyang was also sworn in as the County Deputy Governor.
In a ceremony attended by thousands of residents, Lonyangapuo took the oath of the office and signed the certificate of office assumption. The outgoing Governor Simon Kachapin handed over instruments of power to the new Governor Lonyangapuo.
In his speech, Governor Lonyangapuo thanked the outgoing governor Mr. Kachapin for the peaceful transfer of power. “Despite our County being listed among hot spot areas in the country we managed to maintain peace during and after elections,” he said.
Governor Lonyangapuo cited that West Pokot is faced with challenges of insecurity, high poverty levels, and illiteracy.
The outgoing Governor Kachapin lauded his successor and the choice the people made, “We should embrace democracy and respect the will of the people, the County is more important than any individual,” he said. He further urged Governor Lonyangapuo to unite residents in the area.
Moreover, elected leaders from North Rift region have vowed to put their political differences aside and focus on fighting cattle rustling that has hampered development in the region.
Speaking during the swearing ceremony, the leaders led by Baringo senator Gideon Moi said the region cannot realize meaningful development if the insecurity issue is not solved.
He said it’s not productive to set up development projects amidst insecurity and cattle rustling problems.
“There is no need to set up schools, hospitals, and other social amenities when we are still fighting with our neighbors. This is a waste of resources,” he said. He revealed that insecurity had exposed the residents to high levels of poverty and yet the region was endowed with many natural resources.
“Counties that are in North Rift region have many natural resources that can help to elevate the lives of our people but cases of insecurity have been a hindrance,” he said.
Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok urged security forces to end cattle rustling menace in the region.
Nanok said his government has been able to stabilize peace along the international border after they signed a peace agreement.
The leaders present were Council of Governors chairman Josephat Nanok (Turkana County), Senator Gideon Moi (Baringo), MPs elect Samuel Moroto, David Pkossing among others.