New twist as Mutua endorses Azimio’s Wavinya Ndeti during Kenya Kwanza rally

Speaking on Saturday when he accompanied Deputy President William Ruto on the Kenya Kwanza camp’s campaigns in Machakos, Governor Mutua termed Ndeti - who is running on a Wiper Party ticket - as the best candidate to lead the county.

Dr. Mutua asked voters to turn out in large numbers on August 9 to elect Ndeti who is allied to the Azimio La Umoja- One Kenya coalition.

“I have served you as governor and I am about to leave office. I want to tell you my preferred successor. On August 9, I am voting for Wavinya Ndeti as governor because she is the only one who can develop this county,” he said.

He also urged residents to vote for Dr. Ruto for the nation’s highest office, terming him as the sure leader to win the presidency.

“I vote for the winner. I voted for Kibaki and later voted for Uhuru, so I can tell you for a fact that your vote is safe with William Ruto,” said Dr. Mutua.

Mutua's decision to endorse Wavinya is proof that his supremacy battle with Johnson Muthama - who is Kenya Kwanza's candidate in the Machakos race - is far from over. 

Governor Mutua's announcement came just days after the deputy governor, Francis Maliti, withdrew from the county governorship race and announced his support for Ms. Ndeti.

Maliti was seeking Machakos County’s top seat on a Maendeleo Chap Chap party ticket and last Thursday threw his weight behind Ndeti through a letter addressed to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

“I have decided to walk with my sister Wavinya and I am sure she is the best leader for Machakos. I want to assure her of my support and that of my supporters,” said Maliti.

The Machakos governorship race is shaping into a battle of political heavyweights in the county and beyond.

On top of Ndeti, it has also attracted United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairman Johnson Muthama and former State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita (Chama Cha Uzalendo).