Kenya United Party leader John Lonyangapuo has lost the West Pokot gubernatorial seat to United Democratic Alliance’s Simon Kachapin.
Mr. Kachapin, who was the first governor of the Rift Valley county, garnered 86,476 votes against Prof Lonyangapuo’s 84,610 in the just concluded General Election.
Prof Lonyangapuo’s deputy, Dr. Nicholas Atudonyang, who has been out of the county for a number of years, was third with 2,294 votes.
During the 2022 General Election, Lonyangapuo backed Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
Kachapin was defeated in the 2017 general elections by the incumbent county boss Lonyangapuo who vied on a Kanu ticket.
The gubernatorial results were announced after 48 hours of tension between police and supporters of the two main sides following a standoff, with each side claiming victory.
However, Lonyangapuo stated that he was defeated by less than 2000 votes and that he has accepted the results since he values peace.
He called on his supporters to accept the results and maintain peace.
“I ask all political parties to give Kachapin humble time to lead the county since he has been elected by the majority,” he said.
“Let’s give him time to serve our county since leadership comes from God. KUP, KANU, UDA and independent candidates please let’s give him chance to lead. Campaigns are over and we have our leader, let’s respect him.”