The battle for the Machakos gubernatorial race has gained momentum after Jubilee Party (JP) announced that it will field a candidate to compete against incumbent Dr Alfred Mutua in the August 8, polls.
The Machakos governor race promises to be one of the races to watch during the August 8, polls following the entry of JP.
Governor Alfred Mutua who was expelled from Kalonzo’s Wiper party last year faces an uphill task in retaining his seat as governor.
Several aspirants have declared interest to unseat Mutua whose critics and rivals have accused of allegedly using propaganda and publicity to remain relevant.
Among the aspirants eyeing to unseat Mutua is his deputy Bernard Kiala. Since election of the two in 2013, they have heard frosty relationships.
Kiala has been hitting out at Dr Mutua accusing him of allegedly mismanaging the county resources.
The Deputy governor, a banker by profession is being backed by Wiper party to unseat Mutua who was expelled from the Kalonzo Musyoka led party after he formed his Maendeleo Chap Chap party and also for associating with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party.
Political analysts say that Kiala could unseat Governor Mutua if endorsed by Wiper party in the August polls.
Wavinya Ndeti, the Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) party leader has also declared interest to unseat Dr Mutua.
Ndeti who lost against Mutua in the 2013 general election has vowed to turn tables this time round.
The former Kathiani MP is banking on the women and youth vote to send Dr Mutua packing.
She has been hitting out at Mutua’s administration accusing it of frustrating women and youth agenda.
Speaking in Mlolongo on Friday last week, Wavinya asked Mutua to prepare for a tough battle.
Robert Mbui, the current Kathiani MP is said to be interested in the Machakos governor seat.
Mbui though has categorically stated that he won’t be vying for Machakos governor seat. Close sources intimate that the Kathiani MP might consider giving it a try.
Several Machakos politicians are said to be pushing Mbui to contest for the gubernatorial seat.
Last week Machakos Jubilee Party regional coordinator Victor Munyaka said the party will field a candidate to compete against Dr Mutua.
Sources say that former Kibwezi MP Kalembe Ndile is among JP politicians being fronted to unseat Governor Mutua.
With six months left to the August 8, polls, more candidates are expected to announce their bid for the Machakos governor seat.
The Machakos governor race will be among those to watch as incumbent Dr Mutua has vowed to defend his seat at all costs.
Mutua will be seeking re-election through his Maendeleo Chap Chap Party.
Dr Mutua has also declared interest in vying for the presidency in the 2022 August.
Political analysts say that Mutua has a huge chance of being re-elected basing on his campaign strategies.
“Governor Mutua knows how to use publicity and the media to his advantage and he will utilize the same for re-election in the August polls,” said Peter Ngure, a political analyst.