Migori Senator Ochillo Ayacko has been endorsed by Kuria elders to vie for governor in the next general election.
Ayacko was Sunday installed as community elder at a function in Kehancha town, a major boost for his second stab at the governorship, especially from a community that respects elders' decisions.
“We always sit down as elders in Kuria to offer directions in all major elections," Mwikwabe Nyamoita said.
The event was held at Korosaro Grounds in Kuria West and presided over by elders from Nyabasi, Bwirege, Bagumbe and Bukira subclans.
He was given a Kuria name ‘Mwita’, meaning the firstborn.
“We need to create county leadership in the 2022 General Election devoid of political skirmishes witnessed in the past,” Ayacko said.
“Migori is cosmopolitan with several tribes. We have to ensure the unity and peaceful coexistence we have enjoyed are maintained during campaigns and after next year's election. We can have a smooth transition of power and mature politics devoid of tensions.”
Ayacko said if elected, his administration will consider all communities for employment and development.
The endorsement will set the ball rolling for other aspirants like former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno, former Migori MP John Dache Pesa, former Nyatike MP Edick Anyanga and Woman Representative Pamela Odhiambo.
Others are businessmen Phillip Ogari Mwabe, Owiso Ngao, Migori county secretary Christopher Rusana and assembly speaker Boaz Okoth.
In the last two general elections, Obado won after getting major support from the Kuria community, which accounts for 30 per cent of the population. He was also installed as an elder and nicknamed ‘Chacha’.
In the last general election, Ayacko vied against Obado on an independent ticket. Then he was not installed as a Kuria elder, Obado having received the blessings.
Obado won by about 65 per cent of the vote but this was followed by protracted court battles that only ended after the Senate seat fell vacant following the death of Senator Oluoch Okello. Ayacko succeeded him.
Obado and Ayacko had picked their deputies, Nelson Mahanga and Lucas Mosenda respectively, from the Kuria community.
Obado's term ends in 2022 and already aspirants are out seeking support across the county ahead of the next general election to succeed the outgoing governor.
