I’ll not back out of Machakos governor race, states Waita
State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita says he will not succumb to pressure from some ‘powerful’ Ukambani leaders to shelve his political aspirations in their favour.
Waita is set to resign from his influential position on Tuesday before making a formal exit on Wednesday to embark on campaigns to succeed Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua whose term ends in August.
Speaking at Africa Brotherhood Church (ABC) Kyaani in Mavoko, yesterday, he said there have been concerted efforts by powerful politicians in the region to convince him to drop out of the race in their favour.
In what appeared to be a direct attack on Wiper politicians, Waita said: “I have received a lot of pressure from different people. There are senior politicians in our community who want me to leave the race for an MP and others to compete for the Governor post.”
Mutua’s seat has attracted among others his deputy Francis Maliti, Mavoko MP and a key Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka ally Patrick Makau, former Kathiani MP Wavinya Ndeti and UDA chairman Johnstone Muthama.
Notably, Makau, Wavinya, and Machakos County Assembly Speaker Florence Mwangangi are salivating for Wiper ticket.
Makau, an abrasive two-term MP has lately engaged Waita in a political bare-knuckle terming him as an ‘outsider’ with limited knowledge on the county demographics and local politics.
He recently challenged Waita to point out one development project he has initiated during his seven years stint in the lucrative post, urging the electorate to refuse attempts by outsiders to impose leaders on them.
While terming him as unfit to lead, Makau has termed Waita as a state project with no understanding of the people’s needs.
“We will not accept state projects. Show us one development project you initiated in the region for all that time you have been in Government,” he said.
But Waita said his bid will not be shaken by selfish politicians saying he will soon launch campaign tours across the county to popularise his bid.
He rallied the Kamba community behind opposition chief Raila Odinga’s presidential bid saying time has come for the region to be in government.
