Ukambani turf wars between Mutua-Muthama escalate, former endorse Wavinya Ndeti for Machakos governorship seat
Ukambani political supremacy battle between Machakos governor Alfred Mutua and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) gubernatorial candidate Johnston Muthama, both affiliated to the Kenya Kwanaza coalition has escalated after the former publicly endorsed Wavinya Ndeti of Azimio Coalition as his preferred successor.
In what points to an all-out war between Mutua and Muthama, Wavinya Ndeti is vying for the seat under Wiper Party ticket of Kalonzo Musyoka.
Speaking in Machakos yesterday during a Kenya Kwanza tour to the larger Ukambani region, Mutua termed Ndeti as the best candidate to lead the county.
“I vote for the winner. I voted for Kibaki and later voted for Uhuru, so I can tell you for a fact that your vote is safe with William Ruto,” said Mutua.
Dr. Mutua asked voters to turn out in large numbers on August 9 to elect Ndeti who is allied to the Azimio La Umoja- One Kenya coalition.
He also urged residents to vote for Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate Deputy President William Ruto in the upcoming presidential elections.
Mutua’s decision to endorse Wavinya could complicate Muthama’s chances to be the next county boss.
Governor Mutua’s announcement came just days after the deputy governor, Francis Maliti, withdrew from the county governorship race and announced his support for Ndeti.
Maliti was seeking Machakos County’s top seat on a Maendeleo Chap Chap party ticket and last Thursday threw his weight behind Ndeti through a letter addressed to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
“I have decided to walk with my sister Wavinya and I am sure she is the best leader for Machakos. I want to assure her of my support and that of my supporters.” Maliti said.
This could also further complicate political matrix for the political greenhorn and former State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita of Chama Cha Uzalendo party who is also contesting for the Machakos top seat.
