Two members from the Kisii County Assembly on Thursday sharply differed over who will succeed Kisii Governor James Ongwae after his second term runs out; that is if he wins the 2017 general elections.
Kiogoro Ward MCA Samuel Apoko and his Bobasi Central Ward counterpart Henry Moracha differed at Nyamache stadium, during an event that the governor graced, over which area will field a candidate to succeed Ongwae if he succeeds to win the second term in 2017 general elections.
It all started when Apoko, who hails from Nyaribari declared that he will succeed Ongwae in 2022 general elections after he completes his second term, a statement which raised questions from the members of the public, as some questioned his academic credentials.
Apoko clarified that his Nyaribari area will not field a candidate to run against Ongwae in 2017, and will instead be seeking the seat in 2022 after he has completed his second term.
“I am assuring his Excellency Governor James Ongwae that Nyaribari is satisfied with his leadership, and will back him for the second term as I wait to succeed him in 2022 general elections,” stated Apoko amid laughter from the gathering.
When he stood to address the gathering, Moracha dismissed Apoko's sentiments and reminded him that Nyaribari, being a neighbour to Kitutu, where Ongwae hails from should prepare to back a candidate from Bobasi to succeed Ongwae in 2022, to reciprocate the overwhelming support Ongwae received from the area in 2013 general elections.
“Mheshimiwa Apoko, who told you that Bobasi cannot produce a candidate to succeed Ongwae in 2022, if he wins his second term in 2017 elections? Posed Moracha.