Outgoing Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya has assured residents of Kakamega that there will be a smooth transition of power at the end of the ongoing gubernatorial elections.
At least seven candidates are today seeking to succeed the ODM deputy party leader as the second governor of Kakamega.
Among those eying to succeed Oparanya include Fernandes Barasa (ODM), Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo (UDP), Suleiman Sumba (Kanu), Cleophas Malala (ANC), Samuel Omukoko (MDP), Austin Otieno (independent) and Michael Osundwa (independent).
Oparanya, who is retiring after serving two term-term limits has endorsed former Ketraco Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fernandes Barasa.
Barasa is facing stiff competition from former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala of the Amani National Congress party.
However, addressing journalists after casting his vote, the outgoing county boss said he will peacefully hand over power to whoever will win the gubernatorial seat.
While exuding confidence that the ODM candidate will win, Oparanya said that he will hand over power to whoever wins in the event his preferred candidate does not emerge victorious.
He said as the ODM deputy party leader, he believes in the will of the majority of people and that he will accept the outcome of the election.
“If the candidate I’m supporting doesn’t get the seat, this is a democratic country we will move forward… I am hopeful that the Azimio candidate gets it, but if he doesn’t, we’ll move on,” Oparanya said as quoted by the Daily Nation.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati postponed gubernatorial elections in Kakamega and Mombasa due to what he termed a mix of election ballot papers as well as the harassment of IEBC officials.
Earlier on, Kivumbi.co.ke reported that Oparanya’s official Facebook account was hacked by the alleged Kenya Kwanza Alliance and endorsed his candidate’s bitter rival Cleophas Malala.
