By Samuel Sitati
Justus Kiptum was on Friday declared the winner of The Eldoret National Polytechnic student’s Union chairperson election.
Kiptum, running on a joint ticket with Livingstone Wekesa as his running mate, garnered 1,943 votes to win the tight contest.
His only challenger for the seat Sam Kipkorir Maritim had 1,634 votes. Maritim vied for the seat together with Ronand Odhiambo as his running mate.
Kiptum takes over from Mike Kibet.
Students at the polytechnic went to the polls to elect their new leaders in an exercise that was largely peaceful as well as transparent.
Distribution of election materials started as early as 6.30 am with the voting process beginning at 8.00 am.
There was however low voter turn-out early in the day before the number gradually rose.
Voting was closed at 12 noon when the counting of votes started.
In other positions, Collins Odhiambo was elected secretary to the Cabinet after garnering 1,233 votes. He beat his closest competitor Isaiah Ochieng Okowa who had 1,078 votes.
In the battle for the Cabinet Secretary for Finance docket, Cynthia Jerop Kiplagat also emerged victorious with 1,967 votes, edging out Sharon Yegon who had 1,531 votes.
Further, Cosmas Kipyegon had 1,832 votes to win the Cabinet Secretary for Education seat, beating Shadrack Lokoret Kiprop who had 1,348.
New The Eldoret National Polytechnic student leaders
- Chairperson Justus Kiptum
- Deputy Chairperson – Livingstone Wesonga
- Secretary to Cabinet – Colins Odhiambo
- Cabinet Secretary Finance – Cynthia Jerop Kiplagat
- Cabinet Secretary Education – Cosmas Kipyegon
- Cabinet Secretary Sports – Omore Vincent Okoth
- Cabinet Secretary Entertainment & Social Welfare – Bonface Maroa
- Cabinet Secretary Health, Catering And Accommodation – Ruth Ouko Achieng
- Female Representative – Sharon Chepkoech
The new leaders will serve for the period 2023-2024 academic year.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Maiyo who was the returning officer for the elections said the exercise was largely successful.
“The exercise has been transparent with no incidents of violence or any electoral malpractices and for that, we thank the candidates as well as the voters for abiding by the constitution they developed,” Maiyo said.
