Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma giving a speech at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu. He has said he will defend his seat as an independent candidate. [PHOTO/the-star.co.ke]
Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has said he will defend his seat in the next genera polls as an independent candidate.
Ranguma's declaration comes an hour after ODM National Elections Board awarded the governor ticket to his rival Anyang' Nyong'o.
Board Chair Judy Pareno announced that Nyong'o amassed 164,553 votes ahead of Ranguma's 98,573.
But in a statement made on his official Facebook page, the governor has disputed this ruling, saying he is confident about trouncing Nyong'o in the August 8 elections.
“I assured you yesterday that I will be on the ballot on August 8. You will get another opportunity to express your popular will in an election whose outcome is not predetermined," Ranguma said.
“Our faith is unshakeable. We now begin an unstoppable match, thank you for your support,” he added.
Both Ranguma and Nyong'o had earlier been declared victors, each being given a nominations certificate by the deputy and senior county returning officers respectively.