West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin sworn in

It was pomp and colour at Kishaunet show ground during the inauguration of West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin and his deputy Robert Komole after they were sworn in by high Court Judge Justice Antony Murima  and Kapenguria law court judge Bernard Ochieng on Thursday 25th August 20, 2022.

Thousands of residents flocked the stadium to witness the historic event.

Clad in traditional attire, residents danced and sang songs.

Former Governor John Lonyangapuo handed over instruments of power to Governnor elect Kachapin who was the first Governor and made a comeback.

Kapenguria law court Judge Bernard Ochieng officially started the session at 12:08 noon and Justice Murima sworn in Governor Kachapin and Komole at exactly 12:22 noon.

The newly sworn in governor Simon Kachapin promised the locals that his government will focus on health improvement, eradicating hunger, reducing poverty and education.

He noted that he will honor what the locals require him to deliver citing that he will partner with national government and other stake holders to lower cost of treatment.

He said his administration will prioritize education and will increase bursary kitty for the poor to get adequate education.

“We will upgrade ECDE centres and focus on vocational training centres to boost literacy levels.” He said.

He noted that he believes in the bottom up economic model as his administration will focus on investment and industrialization by establishing hustler’s funds.

“On culture and tourism will build cultural centres so that our people can focus on selling our culture at international level. We invite stakeholders to invest in our culture.” He said.

He promised to visit every village and check on the challenges coupling villagers at the local level.

“Ward development fund will be established in every ward where all citizens will enjoy high quality life. Am committed to you for the County to realize the steps in devolution.” He said.

He said he laid a foundation during his first term and this third term he will make West Pokot County greater.

Outgoing governor John Lonyangapuo said those un-elected leaders have been given a leave from politics for five years.

He added that it’s a historical event that the West Pokot County voters voted in peace without violence during the August elections.

He noted that leadership is not easy and it requires combined efforts to build our country.

He asked for forgiveness if he didn’t perform or brush shoulders with locals or leaders.

“Just be patient governor Kachapin will deliver. We should also respect top leadership and our neighboring countries.” He said.

Other leaders present were outgoing West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio, MPs Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria), Peter Lochakapong (Sigor), Mark Lomunokol (Kacheliba) among others.