Marsabit County governor Mohamud Ali has been re-elected after he trounced five of his opponents in a peaceful election but fiercely contested race.
Mohamud who defended the seat on a United Democratic Movement (UDM) ticket garnered 38,803 votes out of 115,191 ballots cast against his closest rival and out-going North Horr MP Chachu Nganya of KANU who got 28,279 votes.
The August 9 elections results announced today by returning officer Joseph Mukewa at the Catholic Hall county tallying center after an exhausting wait, attracted a 69.04 per cent turnout from 166,912 registered voters.
In the third position came Sunya Orre of the ANC party with 21,774 votes followed by Pius Yattani of the United Party Independent Alliance (UPIA) who managed 15,483 votes. Other contestants were Phillip Kello Harsama of UDA who got 9,706 votes while Prof Wako Wario trailed with 744 votes.
Speaking to his supporters soon after being presented with the winner’s certificate, the governor elect commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for applying due diligence that led to a fair and credible election.
Ali also thanked the government for employing effective security measures which enabled the constituents to participate in the national exercise without any hindrance despite the county being under a security operation.
He extended an olive branch to his challengers so as to forge a united front in serving the residents of Marsabit and the country.
Governor Ali appealed to Marsabit residents to love one another and co-exist peacefully adding that his government would continue to maintain equity in the allocation of resources and delivery of services to all the communities.
The occasion was also attended by the Marsabit Woman Representative elect Naomi Wako Jillo (UDA) and the Marsabit Senator elect Mahamed Chute (UDA), all who called for team work among elected leaders.
The county security team led by County Commissioner Paul Rotich was also present.
By Sebastian Miriti
