Religious leaders from Kakamega County under the umbrella of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) have asked the governor- elect Fernandez Barasa and his deputy Ayub Savula to work harmoniously.
This comes a day after Savula claimed that he is not a deputy Governor but a CO-Governor.
Savula said they will share the Kakamega County Government positons equally with Baraza.
“When he appoints 5 CECs, I appoint 5. I was coerced to support Azimio because my wives and I were once arrested and there was no one to bail us out. I have always supported President Ruto,”Savula said.
His utterances left many shocked.
The religious leaders said harmony will ensure Kakamega residents get required services.
Barasa and Savula were elected on 29TH August after the IEBC suspended the exercise from the 9th of August citing harassment and profiling of its staff.
While speaking at Bishop Stam pastoral center in Kakamega, the clergy led by Bishop Nicholas Olumasai of Kakamega Fellowship Church congratulated the two on their win.
They commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for conducting the Kakamega County gubernatorial elections in a free, fair and transparent manner.
“However, we wish to remind the IEBC that efforts should be made to ensure that all elections should be conducted on the same day as set out in the Constitution. Postponement of any part of the election affects the voter turnout of the preceding election,” Bishop Olumasai said.
They said they hope strategies will be put in place before the next elections to ensure more youths and women participation in the electoral processes.
The Clerics also asked the elected leaders to exercise humility in victory and embrace the mandate given to them by the electorate.
“We wish to remind our newly elected leaders that they have an oath of office to serve all Kenyans without favor or bias” they said.
They further noted that elections were only a small process in the governance and democratic cycle and that now it was time for the elected leaders to engage in the development process.
“In this regard we call upon the incoming Kakamega county government administration to move forward and steer all the 12 sub counties towards prosperity. We urge you to exercise equity, fairness and transparency in all County government processes, systems and structures.” The clergy said
The religious leaders took concern about the ailing Mumias Sugar Company saying it was a major concern to the economic well-being of Kakamega County and asked the incoming governor Barasa to liaise with the National Government, private stakeholders and investors to revive Miller.
The second governor for Kakamega and his deputy are set to take oath of office on Thursday this week at Bukhungu stadium.