Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper party has received a major boost after a section of Jubilee politicians declared support for Julius Mawathe in the upcoming Embakasi South parliamentary by-election.
MPs Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Charles Njagua (Starehe), George Theuri (Embakasi West), Simon Mbugua (EALA) and former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama have vowed to support the Wiper candidate in the by-election.
On Tuesday, Kuria said they are supporting Mawathe in the spirit of the handshake.
“Myself and like-minded leaders, in our individual capacities, have today resolved to support Mawathe to retain his seat,” Kuria posted on his Facebook account.
Last week, Jubilee party announced that it will not field a candidate in the upcoming Embakasi South by-election.
The party’s Secretary General Raphael Tuju said the decision is in line with the recent political happenings in the country among the famous handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Mawathe is expected to face off with Irshad Sumra of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Sumra petitioned Mawathe’s election at the Supreme Court on grounds that it was not free and fair.
In a ruling on 21 December 2018, the Supreme Court nullified Mawathe’s election and called for a fresh poll.
Political pundits argue that the by-election will be a big test for Kalonzo’s future in regards to 2022 general election.
Peter Ngure, a Kiambu based analyst, notes that the by-election will determine whether Kalonzo will have a chance in 2022 presidential election or not.
Kalonzo’s party plans to meet next month to strategize on the upcoming by-election.
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