Nairobi: Francis Awino Elected Bunge La Mwananchi President, Replaces Gaucho

• Political activist Francis Awino was elected as the president of Bunge la Mwananchi, with Maurice Masinga as his deputy, succeeding Calvince Okoth, aka Gaucho
• In his victory speech, Awino pledged to ensure unity within the movement and lead a revolution in their activities
• Police initially disrupted the electoral process due to the absence of an authorisation letter from the Nairobi Regional Commander

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Political activist Francis Awino has been elected the president of Bunge la Mwananchi.

In an announcement by the Bunge la Mwananchi election committee chairman, Robert Kiberenge, Owino will be deputised by Maurice Masinga.

"By the powers bestowed upon me as the elections board chairman of the Bunge la Mwananchi, it is now my humble pleasure to declare Fancis Awino as the President-elect of Bunge La Mwananchi to serve for a period of two years with his deputy president-elect Maurice Masinga," Kiberenge announced.

Awino takes over the reins from renowned politician Calvince Okoth, aka Gaucho, whose term in office ended in August.

The activist garnered 37 votes compared to his closest rival, Mishael Kira, who got five votes, followed by Patrick G Kamotho with four votes, Isaac Otieno with three, while Rajab Were and Solomon Mwangi both garnered zero votes.

Awino vows to revamp Bunge La Wananchi

In his victory speech, Awino vowed to ensure unity within the movement by bringing all contestants to the governing table.

He also slammed those who've painted the group negatively, vowing to lead a revolution in how they conduct their activities.

"I want to congratulate everyone who has been in this struggle. For the past ten years, this is the election that has had an impact and that will bring changes to Bunge La Mwananchi. It had one commission, and the presidential candidates were speaking in one language I want to say, you can lose or win, but the ideas that we had are one to make sure we get Bunge where it was before. I will make sure all the candidates that we had will convene, reason so that we can check how we can move this bunge together," he said.

Earlier, the electoral process was disrupted, with Kiberenge explaining the issues were brought about by the absence of a letter from the Regional Commander confirming authorisation for the event.

Raila Odinga attends Bunge la Mwananchi session

In October 2022, Azimio la Umoja One Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga attended the Bunge La Wananchi open session at the Jeevanjee Gardens, Nairobi.

The ODM leader was accompanied by Lang'ata MP Felix Odiwour alias Jalang'o and his Embakasi East counterpart Babu Owino.

The former prime minister warned that those who stole his victory would one day pay for their sins.