One thing has come out clear in Migori senatorial by-election – Raila Odinga still exerts insurmountable influence in Luo nation politics.
There were claims that the Migori by-election would be a tightly contested race between ODM’s Ochilo Ayacko and FPK’s Eddy Oketch.
Raila stepped up campaigns for Ayacko in the last days to election after Okoth Obado’s supporters accused him abandoning the governor after he was arrested in connection with the death of Sharon Otieno.
Raila’s effort paid off as Ochilo Ayacko trounced Oketch with over 24,000 votes. The ODM candidate garnered 85,234 votes (57.7%) while Oketch managed 60,555 (40.99%).
Uriri remains loyal to Obado
Obado’s backyard of Uriri constituency voted overwhelmingly for Eddy Oketch who was being supported by the Migori governor.
Ayacko defeated Oketch in Rongo, Suna West, Suna East, Nyatike, Kuria West, Awendo and Kuria East, but in Uriri it was Oketch who carried the day.
The Senate by-election was marred by low voter turn out with only 38.02 percent of the 388,633 registered voters casting their ballots.