Wiper, UDA flagbearers floored by Independent candidate in Makueni by-election
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has suffered a major blow after his candidate tailed in Nguu/Masumba ward by election .
The contest was largely seen as a test for political strength of the former vice president ahead of the 2022 general elections.
Kalonzo was covertly battling against Deputy president William Ruto and Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, both who had preferred candidates in the mini-polls.
Wiper party had fielded Eshio Maundu Mwaiwa ,while Kibwana together with Machakos County Chief of staff Mwengi Mutuse, backed an Independent candidate, Timothy Sirei Maneno.
Ruto's UDA party settled on Daniel Musau as their flagbearer in the by-elections.
Maneno pulled a surprise win by bagging 2,902 votes, followed by Musau who garnered 2,219 votes. Wiper Party candidate trailed the duo with 1,614 votes out of the 6,776 total votes cast .
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, in his concession statement posted on Thursday October 14, congratulated the winning candidate and the other candidates for putting up a brave fight to capture the seat.
Kalonzo vowed to respect the voice of Nguu-Masumba constituents, saying that the electorate had spoken through the ballot and they (Wiper) are obliged to honour the decision.
He further condemned acts of violence that were reportedly witnessed in parts of the ward.
"The violence witnessed in sections of the ward was unnecessary and against the Wiper ideals and ethos," he said.
The former Vice President further stated that the loss, in his bedrock, will not deter his party from dealing a deathly blow to corruption.
