Migori senator elect Achilo Ayacko’s closest competitor in the Migori senatorial by elections on a Federal Party of Kenya ticket Eddy Oketch Gicheru has conceded defeat.
Ayacko whose win was strongly influenced by ODM Party’s brigade efforts garnered 85,234 votes against Oketch who garnered 60,555 votes.
The youthful Oketch stated having lodged complaints with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Monday about invasion of the elections by non Migori ODM Party leaders.
In the last week of campaigns Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho camped in Migori to aid Ayacko’s election through vigorous campaigns.
Oketch however commended Migori voters who showed up to exercise their civic duty, though in low numbers, for “braving the morning cold, braving the long queues and the scorching sun.”
Oketch also thanked the people of Migori for supporting and standing with him during the intense campaign period, noting that they withstood the political pressure.
“You have also demonstrated to the world that despite the intimidation on you and unjustified propaganda on me,” he said.
Even after his loss, the politician has vowed to always be of service to the people of Migori who will remain “dear to me.”
“My sole purpose for contesting the seat was to bring unity and peace in Migori county. I believe in these two as recipe for development.”
He has also asked Ayacko to “put deliberate effort to unite the great people of Migori.”
The seat fell vacant following the death of Senator Ben Oluoch who lost the battle to cancer in June.