Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party Leader, Isaac Rutto, has conceded defeat in the recent race for the Bomet governor’s seat, a major relief for Governor-Elect, Hillary Barchok, of the United Democratic Alliance whose swearing-in is slated for 25th August.
Barchok retained his seat through a gubernatorial race in a hotly contested election that triggered tension in the County.
Prof. Barchok, who will be starting his second and last term in office, garnered 158,898 votes against Mr. Rutto’s 137,323 votes, while Mr. Benard Mutai (ANC) got 1,915 votes as Mr. Andrew Towett (GP) secured 508 votes in the August 9 poll.
Mr Rutto, the former Council of Governors Chairperson and first Bomet Governor, said he had chosen to move on to allow reconciliation among voters in the region.
On Saturday evening, he appeared in public for the first time since election results were announced and declared it was time for the residents of Bomet to resume their normal business.
He spoke after holding a closed-door meeting at his Tumoi home in Chepalungu Constituency, with Prof Barchok and Kericho Governor-Elect, Dr. Erick Mutai.
“My political record speaks for itself, that I am not that kind of a person who disputes election results and interferes with the term of elected leaders. I respect the will of the people in any election,” Mr Ruto said.
By Lamech Willy
