Turkana County chief Josephat Nanok believes that he managed to spearhead unity within the Council of Governors at the difficult time of transition during 2017 polls.
On Monday, Mr Nanok lost to his Kakamega counterpart Wycliffe Oparanya in an election that attracted a total of six candidates at a Nairobi hotel, the highest ever to show interest in the lucrative seat among county chiefs.
And in his concession speech, Nanok, who is serving his second term under ODM ticket just like Oparanya, said his main intentions were to fight for decentralization of more resources 'and did not use the seat for political gains'.
"I am proud that I was chairman during the difficult transition period. That even after we received new members, we remained united. My intention was to fight for devolution and I never used the seat for political gains," he said. https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Oparanya-elected-Council-of-Governors-chair/1056-4934734-view-asAMP-1mmtx9/index.html.
Mr Oparanya, who doubles as ODM party deputy leader, becomes the fourth person to hold the seat after Isaac Ruto, Peter Munya and Josephat Nanok. He's also the second opposition governor to be entrusted with the seat.
His victory attracted excitement from a section of politicians with Senate Minority Leader James Orengo, who doubles as Siaya senator, expressing his optimism that Mr Oparanya would do a good job in the docket.
"I absolutely have no doubt that he would do very well. Oparanya was formally in the Planning ministry and he's going to give some extra energy in the council which was much needed," he said.
Also beaten in the polls were Jackson Mandago of Uasin Gishu, Salim Mvurya of Kwale, Ann Waiguru of Kirinyaga and Kisumu"s Peter Nyong'o, who was recently rushed to hospital after feeling unwell.
There were expectations that Mvurya was to be elected given that Jubilee had almost replaced Nanok with him after 2017 polls though the power of handshake seems to have played a major role.
Also elected to the executive position were Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria who will be the Vice Chair and Prof Kivutha Kubwana of Makueni who takes over as Whip.