Cleophas Malala concedes defeat in Kakamega Governor race

Malala, who was vying under an ANC Party ticket conceded defeat to Fernandes Barasa of ODM party.

In the results declared by IEBC on Tuesday, Barasa garnered a total of 192,929 votes while Malala came second with 159,508 votes.

Shortly after Barasa was declared governor-elect, Malala took to social media to send a congratulatory message and concede defeat. He termed his opponent's win as "deserved and undisputable."

While thanking his supporters for backing his bid, Malala lauded the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for conducting a verifiable and transparent process.

"I congratulate governor elect, Hon.Fernandes Barasa and his team for their win. It is deserved and undisputable. I also laud IEBC for conducting free, fair, credible and verifiable elections," he wrote on Twitter. 

"Today, alongside my Deputy, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Hon. Benjamin Washiali and my wife, Mrs. Carolyne Malalah, we wish to thank the residents of Kakamega county for believing in our leadership and voting resoundingly for brand Cleo Malalah."

Malala further urged Kakamega residents to rally behind their new leader adding that he is willing to share a few nuggets from his manifesto that may be deemed suitable to develop the county.

"I am ready to offer any part of my manifesto that they may find suitable in their new government for the progress of Kakamega," he noted.

"Not all losses are losses, some are lessons. Time is high for Kakamega County residents, regardless of their political side to rally behind the Governor for the county to realize her full socio economic potential."