Speaking on Thursday in Machakos after a consultative meeting with Mwangangi, Waita insisted that he is still in the race contrary to reports that he was shelving his bid.
“We are not pulling out. By August 10, the only person who will be named governor-elect, waiting to be crowned, is Nzioka Waita,” he stated.
The governor hopeful dismissed rumors that he was eyeing a position in Nairobi instead, saying he cannot abandon the state of his county to go for a seat in the city.
“I have gone to corners of this country where roads have not reached, schools are incomplete, the hospitals have no medicine, and they tell me to go to Nairobi? To do what and my people are suffering?” posed Waita.
Waita launched his bid in February after his resignation as President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Chief of Staff to venture into politics.
He described Mwangangi, popularly known as “Suluhu”, as a tried and tested consummate professional with a deep understanding and awareness of the political landscape in Ukambani.
Mwangangi, on her part, said that she had voluntarily opted to set her gubernatorial aspirations and support Waita for the sake of the people.
“l have decided to deputize my young learned brother in the forthcoming gubernatorial race without coercion whatsoever,” said the county speaker, describing Waita as a principled leader.
“As a conscientious and seasoned politician, I take note of the complementary value that our joint candidature with Mr. Waita presents. For this reason and after extensive consultations with my family, supporters, my think tank, we have agreed to join forces and deliver the Governor’s seat back to the people of Machakos,” Mrs. Mwangangi said.
The duo will be contesting on Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) tickets, which is one of the affiliate parties supporting the Raila Odinga-led Azimio la Umoja Movement.
Other candidates seeking to replace Governor Alfred Mutua are Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, ex-CAS Wavinya Ndeti, Deputy Governor Francis Maliti, and former Senator Johnson Muthama.
