Former Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) CEO Fernandez Barasa has trounced his main challenger Cleophas Malala to clinch Kakamega Governorship in the elections held on Monday 29 August 2022.
Malala who has conceded defeat, congratulated Barasa and promised to work with the incoming administration to support development efforts of the county.
Barasa vying on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party garnered 192, 929 votes against Malala’s 159, 508.
Other candidates in the race included Cyrus Jirongo (UDP) who got 5974, Suleiman Sumba (Kanu) with 1078, Samuel Umukoko (Maendeleo Democratic Party) 761, Austine Opitso vying as an independent candidate got 150 while Michael Osunda got 1146.
While declaring Barasa the winner, County Returning Officer Joseph Ayatta said the election was peaceful, and congratulated the winner for the victory while urging him to work with other competitors to spearhead development in the county.
Ayatta said valid votes were 361, 546 where 2174 votes were rejected. The race had a voter turnout of 43 per cent.
Addressing the media after being announced the winner, Barasa who came from the corporate world thanked the people of Kakamega for voting for him overwhelmingly.
He also welcomed his competitors to work with him by joining hands to unite the residents in order to steer development, while promising to work with all elected and nominated leaders in the county.
“We have a majority of MPs and MCAs from Azimio la Umoja whom I will work together with to provide services to the county residents,” he noted.
Outgoing Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya assured Barasa of his support to enable him continue with serving residents.
“I want to assure you as an outgoing governor, I will give you support to settle as quickly as possible to serve the people of Kakamega,” he noted.
By Moses Wekesa
