A bruising campaign and subdued voting exercise came to a close yesterday in Kitutu Chache South Constituency, Kisii County. The final verdict of the electorate is that Richard Momoima Onyonka will again be their MP.
The outspoken politician garnered 10,122 votes (45.86%) to beat closest rival Anthony Kibagendi of Jubilee, who managed to bag 5,074 votes.
The voting exercise supposed to take place on 8th August was postponed after aspirant MP Leonard Mwamba (Jubilee) died on a road accident. The election that took place yesterday saw a low voter turnout of 37%.
There was grumbling among ODM supporters in Kisii County after it emerged that Raila Odinga favoured Onyonka, vying on a Ford Kenya ticket, in place of ODM candidate Samuel Omwando. Mr. Omwando managed to get 4,324 votes.
Richard Onyonka is the son of popular former MP (1969-1996) and powerful minister Dr. Zachary Onyonka. The senior Onyonka passed away in 1996 in a freak road accident.
Dr. Zachary Onyonka is remembered as one of the figures who gave former powerful minister Simeon Nyachae and President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi sleepless nights. He was severally captured and detained along key pro-democracy agitators.
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The junior Onyonka may not have yet matched his father’s legacy but he is known not to be one to fear rolling his sleeves and wading into murky waters.
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