Former Planning minister Henry Obwocha has been elected Ford-People national chairman.The former West Mugirango MP trounced his only opponent, South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya in the party elections held on Thursday night at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi.

Mr Obwocha secured 535 votes against Nyamweya’s 385, according to the results released by returning officer Samuel Mwencha.

Mr Mwencha said 952 votes were cast for the seat and 33 were spoilt. Mr Obwocha takes over the mantle of the party from Mr Reuben Oyodi, who did not defend his seat.

The first deputy chairman seat went to Kinango MP Gonzi Rai ‘unopposed’ but there was controversy over the post after it emerged that Mr James Kenani was also running for it. Mr Mwencha said the controversy would be resolved internally.

The second deputy chairman seat went to Mrs Dorothy Miriti unopposed.

The peaceful but hotly contested elections-cum-national delegates conference also saw Mr Michael Namayi elected the party secretary general, a position that was formerly held by Mr Obwocha. Mr Namayi got 487 votes against Mr John Imoite, who managed 385 votes.

The national treasurer seat went to Mr Derrick Latoya and his deputy for the next five years is going to be Mrs Pauline Anungo.

The race for the deputy treasurer was the most hotly contested and Mrs Anungo won it by a paltry 33 votes against her only opponent, Ms Phylis Cheruiyot. She got 452 against Ms Cheruiyot’s 419.

The organising secretary post went to Mr Fredrick Kibuti Nyagah, who thrashed Mr Reuben Magoko by more than 350 votes.

Mr Albert Nyaundi was unanimously endorsed by the delegates as the party secretary in charge of elections and nominations.

Mr Nyamweya, who was vying for the chairman seat for the first time, did not wait for the official results following early indications that Mr Obwocha was on the verge of a landslide victory.