Mohammed Kuti beats Godana Doyo to be Isiolo governor

Isiolo governor-elect Mohammed Kuti (right) accompanied by his deputy Ibrahim Abdi Issa displays his certificate while celebrating their victory in Isiolo Town on August 11, 2017. He defeated incumbent Governor Godana Doyo. PHOTO | VIVIAN JEBET | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Dr Kuti and Laikipia governor-elect Ndiritu Muriithi are the first independent candidates to win governors’ seats.
  • Together with his supporters he went into celebrations, bringing the town to a standstill for hours as they rejoiced after their victory.
  • He said he will work with all elected leaders in shaping the county’s destiny for the next five years.
  • He further pledged to involve all communities in decision-making.

Outgoing Isiolo Senator Mohammed Abdi Kuti is the new county governor after beating incumbent Godana Doyo in Tuesday’s polls.

Dr Kuti, who vied as an independent candidate, trounced outgoing Governor Doyo of the Party for Development and Reforms (PDR) after garnering 22,669 votes to be declared winner in the highly contested election.

Mr Doyo got 15,007 while Jubilee’s Abdul Bahari came in third with 13,636 votes.

Dr Kuti and Laikipia governor-elect Ndiritu Muriithi are the first independent candidates to win governors’ seats.

The veteran politician, who has served twice as Isiolo North MP, received his certificate from county elections manager Solomon Mudanya.

CELEBRATIONS

Dr Kuti, who was accompanied by his wife, running mate Ibrahim Abdi and hundreds of his supporters at the county tallying centre during final announcement of the results.

They immediately went into celebrations, bringing the town to a standstill for hours as they rejoiced after their victory.

In his acceptance speech, the governor-elect pledged to fulfil his campaign pledges and to boost cohesion between locals in the cosmopolitan region.

“My administration will work closely with security forces to ensure that there is peace to pave way for development,” he added.

Dr Kuti has previously worked in the government as Minister for Youth Affairs in 2005 and also as Minister for Livestock from 2008-2013.

He said he will work with all elected leaders in shaping the county’s destiny for the next five years.

He further pledged to involve all communities in decision-making.