Nairobi — Kisumu Mayor Sam Okello has retained his seat after councillors voted him back in office during Thursday elections.

He beat his deputy Ms Pamela Jossy by one vote after garnering the support of 14 councillors against Ms Jossy's 13.

Intense lobbying

The mayoral elections were preceded by intense lobbying as both candidates held retreats to consolidate their support base. The meetings were meant to not only rally support for the prospective candidate, but to also select candidates for the positions of deputy mayor and chairmen of standing committees.

Both camps had expressed confidence of carrying the day, but it is Mr Okello who emerged victorious. Councillor Paul Achayo, who is on Ms Jossy's camp said on Wednesday that he hoped that the party would accept the choice of the civic leaders. "Trends are showing that incumbents are falling and Kisumu is not going to be an exception," he said.

Contacted for comment, Mr Okello put on a brave face and said he was ready to face off the candidate from the opposing camp.

"May the best person win," he said.