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Transport and Infrastructure Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Chris Obure has officially declared his interest in the Kisii county governor’s seat, ending year-long speculation on his political ambition.

Obure said he has been meeting delegations from the county at his Bobasi and Nairobi residents who have been urging him to vie for the seat and that he has now decided to throw his hat into the ring.

The CAS, who met opinion leaders from Kitutu Chache South and Kitutu Chache North constituencies in Kisii County at St Vincent Pastoral Centre, said he was set to succeed Governor James Ongwae who leaves office next year after serving two terms.

“I have made a firm decision to vie for the seat with the approval of my family and hope the county residents will support me,” Obure said after the meeting.

He said the residents want to elect a leader with a proven development record.

The CAS noted that he met a delegation from Bobasi constituency, who endorsed him for the seat, stressing that he would host more delegations ahead of next year’s general elections.

Rose Nyaboke Mariita, an opinion leader said Obure is an experienced politician and has worked in government successfully for long and therefore, he is the best bet to lead the county.

Nyaboke noted that Ongwae’s Bogetutu clan has led the county for 10 years and that it is time the seat goes to another clan and urged Abagetutu voters to support his governorship bid.

“Obure, who is from the Bobasi clan supported Ongwae in 2013. It is time for the Bogetutu clan to reciprocate the gesture” Nyaboke said during a meeting at St. Vincent Pastoral centre yesterday.

Benard Nyaberi said the CAS has a clear manifesto on Health, Trade, Agriculture, water and roads, adding, if elected, he would use his experience, skills and knowledge to implement development programs to boost the lives of Kisii residents.

“Ongwae has put structure in place and so it will be easier for Obure to work and perpetuate the governor’s legacy. We have no doubt that Obure will be the next governor” Nyaberi said.

Nicholus Oyaro said the CAS has worked as a member of parliament, Cabinet Minister and Senator and is equal to the task if elected governor, sentiments echoed by Yvonne Nyaboke, a youth leader from Kitutu Chache North constituency.

Nyaboke said Obure will perpetuate Ongwae’s legacy and appealed to youths to look at the qualities of leaders before they elect them.

She appealed to youths to elect leaders based on their development records and stop being influenced to elect leaders based on handouts.

The governorship seat has attracted lawmakers- Simba Arati ( Dagoretti North), Ezekiel Machogu ( Nyaribari Masaba), Senator Prof. Sam Ongeri, Deputy Governor, Joash Maangi, Omingo Magara, Manson Oyongo, Woman Representative, Janet Ong’era, Racheal Otundo, Alfred Akunga and Josiah Onyancha.

Arati has picked former Nyaribari Chache constituency legislator, Dr Robert Monda as his running mate and Kitutu Chache South lawmaker, Richard Onyonka as Senator.