Intrigues in Nairobi Governor race as Waititu throws hat in the ring

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu has revealed plans to take part in the Nairobi by-election as an independent candidate.

Also Read: Sonko out! Senate upholds impeachment of Nairobi Governor

Waititu told Citizen TV that he presented his papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

He said his party symbol will be a high mast floodlight.

Waititu was dethroned from his seat after the Senate upheld his impeachment by the Kiambu County Assembly on claims of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

On Monday, Waititu said he hopes to succeed former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko who was impeached on similar grounds.

The Nairobi by-election is scheduled to take place in February 2021 with the national polls body having received the list of aspirants who intend to contest for the seat.

For some candidates, the gubernatorial race may turn out to be a rematch as they throw their hats in the ring for a second time.

Former Dagoretti South MP Denis Waweru who warmed up for the seat in 2017 has expressed interest as a Jubilee candidate.

He may have to battle it out with Agnes Kagure, a businesswoman whose name has featured as a possible top candidate since Sonko’s ouster.

The list from the Orange Democratic Movement remains unclear but reports indicate that Sam Wakiaga (former Homa Bay Governorship contender) and Beth Siengo (ODM Women League leader) were interested in the ticket.

ODM party leader Raila Odinga has indicated a desire for his party and Jubilee to cooperate in picking a candidate.

“Whatever working condition we can craft in Nairobi, which is cosmopolitan and we share it with Jubilee, we will negotiate and get a suitable pair that we can deliver for the people of Nairobi,” he said during an interview.