West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo has conceded defeat in his bid to retain the seat.
Prof. Lonyangapuo who spoke Friday morning said although he was defeated by less than 2000 votes and since he loves peace, he has accepted the results.
He said that as a God fearing man he has done it from his heart.
Prof. Lonyangapuo asked his supporters to accept his decision and support Simon Kachapin and asked his to take over his people as the current political father.
“He defeated me with only 1866, elsewhere it could be drama now but I want to tell Pokots that leadership is not yours. If you are given a chance to serve as a village elder or prefect stand with and make sure it goes well,” he said.
Prof. Lonyangapuo who sat in Mtello hall in Kapenguria as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) tallied the results for 15 hours called on his supporters to accept the results and maintain peace.
He asked Governor elect Kachapin to consult him on anything since he is ready to offer him support.
“I will give you my two phone numbers so that you can consult any time. I am happy you never interrupted my government and I will do the same. Some were talking to him about propaganda and bringing it to me. Am ready to hand it over,” he said.
The Professor of Applied Mathematics who shook hands with Kachapin before the County leaders and the general public noted that he is ready to hand over power to his successor.
“My brother I will give you my new phone number and in case you want any consultation just call. I will organize for big event for handing over in a few days to come,” said Prof. Lonyangapuo.
He asked the Governor-elect to call for a meeting of all elected leaders from the County irrespective of their parties and set the agenda for the County.
“I received major support from all elected MPS during my era and I also ask the current elected leaders to also offer support to the Governor-elect,” he said.
He hit out at his Deputy Dr. Nicholas Atudonyang for absconding his duties citing that he forgave him.
“But you Atudo you ran away but I forgave you,” he said.
He called for unity among the leaders.
“Let’s have respect. I didn’t chase away the people you employed. Others went for leave but came back and were on pay roll,” he said.
He said that leaders should now shun incitement and insults and instead focus on development for the next five years.
“God brings leaders. Five years ago, the electorate had a voice from God that I gave a chance to Kachapin, who sat with me in this hall for the whole day. He gave me time to deliver. I have tried what I did and maybe not a lot,” he said.
He noted that West Pokot residents had faith in him after performing fairly well in his first term.
‘I will deal with the many challenges facing locals. I will work better because I have experience. I will ensure that there is food security, heath, road infrastructure and insecurity youths and creation of well for unemployed and boost economy. Our people still go for treatment in Eldoret,” he said.
He said that he laid foundation of the County adding that this time round he will concentrate on youth development.
“I have handed out my people to you as their father. My people of KUP, KANU and Jubilee.
Kachapin called for political tolerance adding that service delivery is key for a leader.
“Our supporters have a lot of expectations with different emotions. Let’s contain and talk to them because I was not happy with what happened at Nasokol the other day,” he said.
He lauded residents for reelecting him through a tight competition.
“In 2017, I accepted after you defeated me,”he said.
The leaders embraced each other and asked residents to pray for the new government.
The election was a rematch of 2017 when Lonyangapuo defeated Kachapin.
In this year’s election, Kachapin was declared the winner after bagging 86,476 votes.
Lonyangapuo came in second with slightly over 84,610 votes.