Tim Wanyonyi’s long-term aide Mwonyonyo disputes running mate reports

Reports in a section of the media have claimed that Mr Bernard Mwonyonyo is attracting interest from a cross-section of politicians eyeing the Nairobi Governor’s seat as succession politics heats up in the city.

Speaking on Tuesday, May 5, while he met a section of Westlands community leaders, Mwonyonyo said he had not been approached by any politician from any political camp for the position of deputy governor.

“It is good to be considered. It shows that Westlands has produced a person who can fit the leadership of our great county. But I am firmly in the race for Westlands MP seat, and I will be happy to contribute to the growth of the City in that capacity,” he said.

Word had spread that top parties seeking to kick out Governor Johnson Sakaja have sent emissaries to Mwonyonyo’s camp to pitch their interest as the race picks up momentum.

Mwonyonyo, who has been working with Wanyonyi for close to 20 years, has declared his interest in succeeding his boss in the 2027 elections.

The Westlands legislator is eyeing the Bungoma Gubernatorial seat in 2027 and has hinted at Mwonyonyo being his preferred successor. He is yet to make it official.

A banker by profession, Mwonyonyo was instrumental in the gubernatorial campaign of Wanyonyi in the last election, where he served as the Head of Secretariat.

He has previously worked and held top positions at Bank of Africa, K-Rep Bank (now Sidian Bank), Imperial Bank Limited and NIC Bank Limited.

Besides, he has been working with the MP for close to two decades, and it is understood that he has great political networks and a national appeal across the country.

According to him, he has solid plans for Westlands and that he wants to ensure all projects initiated under Wanyonyi are implemented to full completion.

“You are my people. Westlands is my home, and I have a clear vision of where Hon Wanyonyi wanted Westlands to be, and I have those keys with me. I know where the Westlands shoe pinches the most, and I know the size of the shoe that we need to wear so that we don’t feel any pain,” he assured.

Westlands constituency has attracted notable figures, including Senior Counsel and Advocate of the High Court Nelson Havi, who came second in the last elections.

He is seeking a seat on the former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua-led Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

Others are former Nairobi Town Clerk Phillip Kisia, Fred Gumo’s son Mike Mayo Gumo and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s son Budamba Mudavadi, among others.

Another hopeful, Kitisuru MCA Alvin Palapala, has mounted campaigns in the area, but he is facing a hostile ground with locals questioning his underwhelming performance at the City Assembly.