Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu at a past function. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu will contest for the Vihiga governor seat in the forthcoming general election after winning the Amani National Congress (ANC) party ticket. Chanzu will be contesting against the incumbent, Governor Moses Akaranga who was elected on a Progressive Party of Kenya ticket. Other candidates in the race for the region’s governorship are Mr Kennedy Butiko (United Democratic Party) Dr Wilbur Ottichilo (ODM), and Ms Helen Otolo (Independent).Chanzu insisted he won the ticket following a free and fair exercise, amidst complaints from Mr Josephat Amadi. Chanzu got 16,450 votes against Amadi's 13,386 votes.The senatorial nominations in the county were not conducted after Mr George Khaniri bagged a direct ticket for the seat. Mrs Beatrice Adagala bagged the Woman Rep ticket after receiving the support of 50,412 voters against her rival Mary Amalemba who garnered 8,400 votes. Meanwhile, Dr Jairus Amayi, who was eying the Senate seat, said he will compete as an independent candidate after Khaniri was given a direct ticket. "I am being buried today and I will come back on the third day just like Jesus who resurrected. I am looking for the most important option because I must meet Khaniri on August 8," said Dr Amayi, as quoted by the Nation. He claimed he had been asked to pave way for Khaniri, a move which he objected."I was called to ANC headquarters in Nairobi and asked to step down for Khaniri but I declined. That is when I was threatened that I will be rigged out. And true to their words, there were no ballot papers and boxes for the senator position," he added.