Sand harvester speaks on beating the odds to become MCA

The 2022 General Election had a number of surprises where the little known candidates in the civic seat race, beat the incumbent candidates who were deemed stronger due to their financial muscle, however the latter were eventually beaten at the ballot by the 'underdogs'.

Such cases were recorded in Kiegoi/Antobochoi and Elementaita Wards in Meru and Nakuru Counties respectively.

In Maai Mahiu Ward in Naivasha, Eliud Chege of UDA Party and a sand harvester is the MCA-Elect, where he managed to beat veteran politician Stephen Ng'ethe who was defending his seat on a Jubilee Party ticket.

The victory registered by the 33 year-old brought to an end a 15 year-stint of the incumbent Stephen Ng'ethe, who first served as councillor before transiting to MCA for two consecutive terms on TNA and Jubilee party tickets.

Chege joined the sand harvesting business in 2013, and three years later his colleagues gave him the chairman position, for he was vocal and a defender of their rights whenever they would face any kind of harassment from the authorities.

He says the decision to join politics, was a push by his juniors who felt he could represent their interests in the County Assembly, especially in safeguarding their business which has been under threat from the neighbouring Narok and Kajiado Counties.

Chege alias 'Kamau wa Mūthanga' says despite not having enough resources to fund his campaigns,  the father of three says his colleagues funded his activities by conducting frequent fundraisers whenever monetary need would arose.

George Kung'u his immediate former colleague, says they believe Chege will advocate for the welfare of the sand harvesters at the County Assembly of Nakuru, such as having all-weather roads within the site through taxes generated from cess.

Another resident of the Ward Charles Kung'u, said Chege's dedication, diligence and passion for his work made the young and the old believe in his candidature.