Machakos Governor Race: Boost For Waita As Opponent Abandoned by Running Mate

Machakos gubernatorial candidate for the Maendeleo Chap Chap party has suffered a blow after his running mate abandoned him.

Rose Wambua, Francis Maliti’s running mate, on Sunday switched over to Nzioka Waita’s CCU party.

Nzioka is also running for governor of Machakos.

Addressing the electorate at Holy Family Kiliku Catholic Church in the Kangundo constituency, Waita welcomed Ms Wambua to his campaign and promised to appoint her to the county executive committee if elected as the next governor.

Read: Showdown Looms As Kalonzo Hints At Waita Dropping Machakos Gubernatorial Bid

Waita claimed that the entry of Ms Wambua to his team indicated an early victory over Wavinya Ndeti, the candidate for the Wiper party, who is his greatest rival.

“Our intention is not just to defeat Wiper. It is to give to the people of Machakos a government that understands their challenges and is ready to work towards providing a solution and more so initiate meaningful development,” said Waita.

The former State House chief of staff stated that his goal was to create a unity government that consists of like-minded individuals capable of bringing about the required change in the county.

“To my friend, [Johnson] Muthama, leave quit the race; your time has elapsed. We will treat you as a respected statesman of the county. Let us compete with those who think they have something to offer,” added the gubernatorial candidate.

Read Also: Nzioka Waita Not Dropping Machakos Governor Bid, Picks Speaker Mwangangi as Running Mate

Waita also urged Maliti to withdraw his bid as well and back his team, which he claimed was free of corruption and incompetence.

“Now you have a chance to walk away from Alfred Mutua and join the winning team. We shall ensure you are given a job in Raila Odinga’s government,” he said.

Ms Wambua claimed that the preferences of her supporters, who did not prefer Maliti’s leadership, had influenced her choice to leave.

“I’m very excited now because I have joined the team that will form the next government and help our people. I urge all my supporters across the county to vote for Waita,” she said.

Read Also: Nzioka Waita Denies Withdrawing From Machakos Governor Race

Speaking to the Standard, Maliti brushed off the move as meaningless.

“Withdrawal of Rose Wambua is a scheme by the enemies of Machakos people with ulterior motives. I urge the people of Machakos to reject such leaders.”

Waita and Maliti will face Wiper’s Wavinya Ndeti, UDA’s Johnson Muthama and Rose Mulwa of the Empowerment and Liberation Party (ELP) at the ballot.