[Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama when he was declared winner of ODM nominations. He became the first incumbent to win primaries. Photo/Cynthiah Kerubo]
A part from eight governors who were handed direct nomination tickets, Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama becomes the first incumbent to prevail in a rather stiff exercise.
The ODM Governor, known for his soft skills in handling of issues, prevailed upon strong opposition from West Mugirango MP James Gesami, who has since disowned the results.
Projected results handed Nyagarama an outright victory having scooped 17,487 votes over his close challenger James Gesami who managed 13,000 votes. John Kumenda emerged a distant third with 939.
“I am happy to win and my message to those who are protesting is that we should bury our differences and move on as a party,” he said moments after he was declared winner.
But Gesami, who has since dismissed the results, said he will contest the outcome at the National Elections Board.
“There were massive irregularities for instance no voting took place in several polling stations and some regions started voting late. I have filed legitimate complaints,” he said.
Should he be handed the ODM ticket, Nyagarama will face a Jubilee candidate who will be elected on Friday, Wiper’s Anasi Onyancha, Mwancha Okioma of PDP and Gesami, should he run as an independent.