Early celebrations in Migori as Ayacko leads in senatorial poll
What you need to know:
- Mr Ayacko, who was in Migori town when the celebrations broke out gave his victory message, albeit rather early.
- IEBC has not provided tallies of provisional results, only uploading forms from various polling stations on their website.
Supporters of Migori Senate candidate Ochillo Ayacko began early celebrations late on Monday, as he seemed to pick a comfortable lead from the by-election results trickling in.
As early as 11pm on Monday, Mr Ayacko’s backers had poured into the streets of Migori to sing praises for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate, who had been expecting stiff competition from his closest challenger Eddy Oketch of Federal Party of Kenya.
Other candidates in the race were Peter Jobando (Green Congress Party), Solomon Hodo Rugaria (People’s Democratic Party), Samwel Otieno (independent) and Dickson Ogolla (independent).
Amid the euphoria in Migori, results from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) continued trickling from the eight constituencies as clerks ensured nothing was left to chance in the counting and tallying of results.
IEBC has not provided tallies of provisional results, only uploading forms from various polling stations on their website.
Mr Ayacko, who was in Migori town when the celebrations broke out gave his victory message, albeit rather early.
"I'm in Migori town and the mood is jubilant. Huge crowds of people are celebrating the dawn of a new leadership. We are still hours away from the official tally but that should not dampen the celebratory mood. I thank you all for turning out to vote today," said Mr Ayacko, buoyed up by the jubilant crowd.
"The message you've sent this nation is loud and clear. ODM is a party that cannot be wished away. ODM cannot be dismissed. There is a reason why we have survived three general elections. You have also made it clear, fellow citizens, that the time to hold political leadership accountable is NOW. Asante ndugu zangu!"
