Governor aspirants in Vihiga are on a rush to pick their deputies ahead of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission May 16, deadline.
They include Governor Wiber Ottichilo of ODM, former National Assembly speaker Kenneth Marende(DAP-K), Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi (ANC).
Moses Akaranga(PPK), Senator George Khaniri (UDP), Patrick Saisi of Equitable party.
Former county secretary Francis Ominde has already picked Wycliffe Chabeya as his running mate.
"I have worked with Chabeya in the county and I know his capacity. So if the people give us a chance we shall transform this county," Ominde said.
Akaranga is seeking to pick former county Lands executive Paul Mbuni. Initially he was eyeing the incumbent Deputy Governor Patrick Saisi.
"I have just heard people saying that I am going to deputise Akaranga. Why can't they say Akaranga is coming to deputise me," Saisi said.
"I have been here as a deputy but my focus is now on the top seat, I also have the capacity to deliver," he said.
Saisi said he will pick his running mate once he has the party certificate.
Agoi is reported to be eyeing Vincent Maitsi to deputise him. Maitsi is currently serving as a member of the county public service board.
He had opted for Shiru ward MCAE Nixon Buttiya but the ward rep remained focused on his bid for the Hamisi MP seat.
“Those are old stories, deputising Agoi was not an interest to me,” Butiya told the Star on phone.
Marende and Khaniri are yet to pick their running mates.
However, reports indicate that Saisi is likely to pick former public service and administration executive Pamela Kimwele, whom they have been in continuous talks with.
Ottichilo is currently sourcing for his deputy after parting ways with his deputy.
"People of Vihiga subcounty I have a special offer for you but I will inform you soon," Ottichilo said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
