KAKAMEGA governor hopeful Paul Olando on Saturday named a former Kenya Sugar Board director as his running mate.

Olando said engineer Mohammed Mukhwana, who holds a masters degree in planning from the University of Nairobi, will boost his chances of winning the seat.

Olando, a former Nyanza PC, who is contesting on a UDF ticket which is part of the Amani coalition, said he had engaged widely before picking Mukhwana. "Mukhwana is not my choice.

He is the people's choice," said Olando. "I sought your advice on who to select, I even consulted the Wanga elders and all of you pointed to Mukwana."

The former PC promised his rivals Planning minister Wycliffe Oparanya of the Cord coalition and Albert Mwilitsa of Jubilee coalition a run for their money.

Olando said he has what it takes to win the seat. The former PC praised his deputy as a person with good leadership qualities. He said Mukwana had served for six years as a top manager at Kenya Sugar Board.

Olando said he had chosen his deputy from the lower part of the county because he wants a balanced representation of the people. "We should all be equal," said Olando.