Rodgers Nyanumba and his running mate Felisters Mutuku are Kisii University's President and Deputy President after winning a hotly contested election.
Nyanumba saw off his closest rival Enock Ong’iti to be announced winner of yesterday’s elections by Electoral Commission chairman Mr Stephen Mokaya at Dr Sagini Hall.
Mr Mokaya termed the exercise as “free, fair and transparent” hence all those who won various positions were validly elected.
Students thronged the streets of Kisii town in celebrations after waiting for results for over three hours.
“We were almost getting worried but am glad that the majority have spoken,” said Elizabeth Mwende, a student.
Earlier in the day, tension engulfed the entire university as Mr Nyanumba expressed his dissatisfaction with the exercise citing irregularities at Twin Towers Polling station.
"My agents have been frustrated by the security and some people are voting more than once,” said Mr Nyanumba.
Mr Nyanumba garnered 2,154 votes while his rival Enock Ong’ti managed to amass 1,384 thus making him the winner on simple majority as the union’s constitution stipulates.
“I was sure of this victory and I thank comrades for believing in me. It was a tight race but time has come for the two sides to amalgamate for the sake of unity,” he said.
In a university with a student population of close to 13,000, only 3,500 eligible voters turned out, the worst since 2010.
A law student Mbaka O’Mwando associated the shortfall on locking out some candidates based on academic qualification.
“I think barring of those students who went to court had a devastating effect on voting. This is a major challenge to the management for future elections,” he said.
Kelvin Okwara was elected Secretary General while Rita Akelo will be the incoming Gender and Social Secretary. DJ Menace beat David Mwaniki in another close contest to become Sports and Entertainment secretary as Kelvin Musyoki clinched the Organizing Secretary slot.
The winners will be sworn in next week on Friday and will serve students for one year before the union is dissolved to pave way for fresh polls.