We have compiled a list of Governors who are most likely to emerge victorious in tomorrow’s General Elections:
1). Lee Kinyanjui, Nakuru County.
He is seen as the front runner and has no main challenger. This is after out-going Governor Kinuthia Mbugua withdrew his candidacy following an intervention by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
2). Martin Wambora, Embu County
He trounced his closest rival Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire to win the Jubilee ticket during the party nominations in April. He has no main challenger in the county.
3). Hassan Joho, Mombasa County
Mr. Joho is seen as the current political kingpin at the coast. Subsequently, the ODM vice chairman is expected to trounce his competitors with over 60 per cent. Pollsters have put his closest rival, Jubilee’s Suleiman Shahbal a distant second.
4). Okoth Obado, Migori County
He is one of the few governors who are expected to retain their seats, with pollsters putting his support and popularity at over 70 per cent.
5). Francis Kimemia, Nyandarua County.
The former head of civil service is flying the Jubilee Party flag in Nyandarua County. he is facing challenge from independent candidate Moses Kiarie Badilisha. He beat Mr. Kiarie in the Jubilee primaries and is expected to become Nyandarua’s second Governor.
6). Anne Waiguru, Kirinyaga County
Despite a stint at the Ministry of Devolution that was characterized by the shocking NYS multi-million corruption scandal, the former cabinet secretary is expected to beat her closest challenger Martha Karua.
7). Josphat Nanok, Turkana County
According to pollsters, Josphat Nanok of Turkana — the Council of Governors chairman, is expected to retain his seat with over 70 per cent.
8). Mwangi wa Iria
The Murang’a Governor is exected to retain his seat. he had beaten his arch rival Jamleck Kamau in the Jubilee primaries. Mr. Kamau decided not to contest as an independent.
9). Anyang’ Nyong’o, Kisumu County
The former cabinet minister is poised to beat the incumbent Jack Ranguma in the Kisumu gubernatorial seat. He is flying the ODM flag.
10). Kivutha Kibwana, Makueni County
The Makueni Governor is expected to win area gubernatorial vote, especially after aligning himself with the Wiper Party which is perceived as the overwhelmingly popular party in Ukambani. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been supporting Mr. Kibwana.
Hotly Contested Counties
1). Nairobi County
The race to head the capital city has brought Mike Sonko and Evans Kidero in a hotly contested race. The current Governor and the current Nairobi senator have been quoted by pollsters as enjoying equal support bases.
2). Machakos County
The incumbent Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua is facing his toughest political battle yet from Wiper’s Wavinya Ndeti. Ms. Ndeti is contesting for the seat against Mutua who has been seen as a Jubilee sympathizer in Machakos. Mutua had defeated Ms. Ndeti in 2013.
3). Uasin Gishu County
This is probably the most contested seat among the counties. Jubilee’s Jackson Mandago and independent candidate Buzeki Bundotich will be facing off in one of the toughest battles for the gubernatorial seat.
4). Bomet County
Former DP William Ruto’s ally Isaac Rutto is facing a tough challenge from Jubilee’s Joyce Laboso. Mr. Rutto is one of the five NASA principals.
