The new governor for Kakamega Fernandes Barasa and his deputy Ayub Savula announced yesterday that they had buried their differences.

“Ignore all the things that our enemies have been peddling in mainstream and social media. We will always solve any issues that arise amicably,” Savula said.

The former Lugari MP has been making a series of demands including half of the county government, claiming that he is a co-governor.

Savula also raised a storm when he declared his support for President William Ruto claiming he was coerced to back Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

But the former Lugari MP wore a loyal image yesterday as he took the oath of deputy governor.

Barasa said he was confident that he and Savula would leverage the development milestones recorded by former Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

“We are a formidable team that can not be shaken by anybody. We know our enemies are burning the midnight oil to divide us but I can guarantee that it will not happen,” he added.

He said they would not backpedal on the gains made by Oparanya.

“We will be betraying the trust that the Kakamega people bestowed on us when they handed us this mandate on August 29. We will not fail you,” he said.

The new governor also said his administration would not intimidate county workers or neglect areas that voted for their opponents.

The two were sworn in by the Kakamega High Court Judge Dorah Chepkwony assisted by Chief Magistrate Linus Kassam.

Barasa was accompanied by his wife Janet Kasily while Savula was with his first wife Helen Kemboi. Oparanya said he had confidence in the duo and that he would be available to offer guidance.

“We have done a lot even with the challenges of late allocation of funds and I believe Savula and Barasa will do the same and even more,” he added.

Boni warning

Justice Chepkwony advised the two to avoid conflicts and serve the people of Kakamega.

“I was born and bred in this great county and I can tell you how we were before devolution and where we are today. Governor Oparanya has proved that counties can prosper even when they are in the opposition. I urge the new governor and his deputy to do the same,” she added.

Senator Boni Khalwale warned the two against engaging in corrupt activities.

“Our eyes are on you and we will ensure you perform. I will effectively play my oversight role the same way I did to Oparanya between 2013 and 2017,” he said.

Among those present were the Kakamega Catholic Diocese Bishop Joseph Obanyi, former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, his Kitui counterpart Charity Ngilu, Kakamega Women Rep Elsie Muhanda and other MPs and outgoing Speaker Morris Buluma.