ODM primaries in Vihiga County ended in a peaceful manner and no irregularities were reported after various candidates showed vigorous campaign for the political seats.
Former Emuhaya MP Wilberforce Otichillo will now vie for gubernatorial seat on ODM ticket against his strongest opponents current Governor Moses Akaranga of Progressive party of Kenya (PPK) and Former Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu of Amani National Congress (ANC).
Otichillo displayed confidence that he will defeat the two candidates and said that his development track record as Emuhaya MP will enable him to triumph with a landslide. “We cannot manage to lose this seat to other political parties and I am sure we will emerge as winners in the coming polls,” said Otichillo.
The area is allegedly a pro-ANC stronghold some consider getting the party ticket as a way of winning the coveted seats. However, current governor Moses Akaranga won through unpopular PPK against the then popular United Democratic Front (UDF) associated with former deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi.
Outgoing Women representative Dorcas Kedogo of ODM who is going for Vihiga MP’s seat won easily against Humphrey Amasava with a margin of more than 4,000 votes. Dorcas Kedogo got 6,148 votes against his closest competitor Humphrey Amasava who got 1,771 votes. She will vie against Ernest Kivai (ANC).
Kedogo thanked the voters for turning out in large numbers and voting for her despite late start of voting due to logistics challenges.
The former chief officer in the Ministry of Trade Rhoda Mbandu (ODM) who is going for women representative was leading by the time of going to press against her closest rival Mercy Ademba. Senator position which is currently held by prominent politician George Khaniri (ANC) did not attract any candidate on ODM ticket.
In Luanda constituency, Tom Omulele current ODM MP and Dennis Ajega Sabatia MP aspirant went unopposed. On MCA seats, Manaseh Omenya got 1220 votes and defeated Hudson Mukanda who garnered 943 votes in Lugaga/Wamuluma ward.
In South Maragoli ward, Bruce Hamisi got 871 and won against Boniface Onditi who refused to participate in the nominations. In Central Maragoli ward Pauline Amwata got 1149 votes against Moses Agoi who got 1050 votes while in Mungoma ward Harrison Ida got 915 votes against Paul Mugora who got 416 votes.
The results were released by returning officer Mathew Mukabana yesterday at Guji Hotel in Vihiga Sub County.
