The Assumption of Office of the Governor Committee in Kisii County has begun the preparations for swearing in of the second Governor of Kisii, Simba Arati, and his Deputy, Robert Monda.
Arati of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party was declared the winner of the Kisii gubernatorial race over the past weekend by the County Returning Officer, Michael Kosgei having garnered 270,928 votes.
He leaves the Dagoretti North parliamentary seat in Nairobi, to become the second governor of Kisii and will succeed Governor, James Ongwae, who has served the County for two terms.
Speaking during a media briefing, the Chairperson of the Committee, Patrick Lumumba, said the Committee has also been constituted to facilitate the handing-over process in the County following the successful conclusion of the General Elections and subsequent declaration of the Governor-Elect.
“The Committee has been holding meetings and preparations are underway for the swearing-in of the Governor-Elect and the Deputy Governor-Elect. The date for the swearing-in ceremony shall be announced in due course and residents will be invited to attend,” he noted.
The Chairperson thanked the residents for conducting themselves peacefully during and after the General Election and urged them to maintain the same spirit.
The Committee comprises the County Secretary, the Chairperson of the Committee, and other members from the County Government, County Commissioner’s office, Judiciary, Ministry of Devolution, County Assembly, County Police Commander, and representatives of the Governor-elect.
This follows the Chief Justice, Martha Koome’s appointment of 47 Judges who will preside over the swearing-in of governors, including Lady Justice, Teresiah Matheka, who will preside over the ceremony in Kisii.
By Mercy Osongo