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Candidates’ high hopes in Nairobi gubernatorial race

Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 23:12 | By

The push and pull in Nairobi gubernatorial race has continued to draw mixed reactions with a section of aspirants saying an outright election will be inevitable.

With the by-election set for February 18, the Nairobi County Assembly appears keen to forestall the exercise by vetting and approving the appointment of deputy governor nominee Ann Kananu for elevation to governor.

Speaking yesterday, Betty Adera who vying using the independent party( KANU) said its high time, the cosmopolitan county got fresh air in the election of a new governor to address the myriad of problems the county has been facing.

“ There is no way you will deny the city residents their democratic right of going to polls. Its time we change guard and my vision for Nairobians is that they prosper through equitable opportunities for wealth creation, quality healthcare, education and sustainable income generation regardless of ethnicity, political

Affiliation,” said Adera.

Adera said the best way to help Nairobi form the numerous fights are by having a new leader whose first agenda will be to unite the county.

“I will build on KANU Party’s philosophy of Peace, Love and Unity and foster the face of Kenya in Nairobi County Leadership around me,” she said.

Another candidate, Engineer Kimori Machoka an independent candidate maintained that a by-election should be done.

“ Let everyone meet and at the ballot then we will discuss later. We are ready to face off with anyone,’ he said.

On her part, Margaret Wanjiru said she was ready for the by-election dismissing the county assembly for fronting Anne Kananu Mwenda despite Sonko withdrawing her nomination.

“ Kananu should just go home and focus on other things. If they want her should be on the ballot just like I have declared,” she said.

Deputy President William Ruto has thrown his weight behind Wanjiru who is United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The Nairobi county assembly has vowed to go ahead to continue with Kananu declaring that she is assembly’s property.

Speaking on the People Daily, Majority Whip Paul Kiguathi Kados maintained that Ward Reps will vet Kananu on Friday as planned.

“The name of Kananu is the property of County Assembly and there is no way an impeached governor can withdraw her name,” said Kados. The County Assembly has set Friday this week to have Kananu vetted by the Appointments Committee which will write a report and table it before the assembly for the MCAs to either reject or approve her appointment.

And speaking on Monday, the assembly’s Deputy Speaker Geoffrey Majiwa also maintained that they will proceed with Kananu’s vetting and dismissed Wanjiru’s endorsement.

“We will not listen to any pedestrian talk. As an assembly, we follow rules and standing orders and so we will not follow whatever Ruto said on Sunday. We are on course to vet Kananu,” he said.

Majiwa who is the Baba Dogo Ward Representative also dismissed Sonko saying his declaration that he will withdraw Kananu’s appointment does not hold any water as he is already impeached.

“We will go ahead and vet Kananu. Any communication from somebody we impeached should be ignored,” maintained Majiwa.

Jubilee Party has already cleared two candidates, Dennis Waweru, a former Dagoretti South MP and businesswoman Agnes Kagure.

Deported lawyer Miguna Miguna is also on the list who is vying using the Thirdway alliance party, businessman Sam wakiaga, Isaac Chege who is using Roots party among others.

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