Kenya: Sam Okello retains his seat as Kisumu Mayor
Posted by African Press International on July 9, 2009
By: JEFF OTIENO
Embattled Mombasa based businessman Sam Okello has been re-elected the mayor of Kisumu.
During a tensed election in a packed town hall, Okello garnered 14 votes against his close rival Pamela Omino 13 votes.
Benson Odondi scooped the Deputy Mayors slot bagging 15 votes against Erick Otieno Oricho 12 votes.
In his acceptance speech Okello vowed to stamp out corruption and land grabbing which has marooned town hall in the recent past.
He further assured the residents that he will bond with the disgruntled councilors who have opposed and questioned his leadership since he came to the helm two years ago. Security was tight at the main entrance of the hall under the command of the area OCS Mr. Wanyama.
Only Journalists, chief officers and invited clergy were allowed into the main hall but they had to brace for thorough inspection.
It was one of the most democratic Mayoral elections ever witnessed in Kisumu City, Previous polls have always been bloody and chaotic.
Okello’s re-election has been attributed to support he enjoys from hawkers and workers who argue he’s practical and focused.
Majority of Kisumu workers went on to describe him as “a pragmatic and focused” saying that nowadays they get their salaries in time contrary to previous scenario where some of them had to be fished out in estates for rent default.
Observers are however anxious to see what shrewd and prompt mechanisms he will deploy to make the workers who are now getting salaries in time plough back to the residents who are yawning for quality service which has been wanting.
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