Nyali MP Hezron Awiti has received a major political boost as he seeks to dethrone Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho.
This comes after a section of Mijikenda elders backed his bid for the governor's seat.
The elders, led by Hamisi Kondo, chairman of the Digo Council Kaya in Bofu ward and coordinator Mwinyi Mhaso have promised to rally the electorate behind the MP in the upcoming polls.
They said their decision to support Awiti came after serious negotiations amongst themselves.
The elders, however, set conditions for Awiti, requiring him to run for only one term and pick a member of the community as his running mate.
"After this endorsement, we will stick with Awiti and campaign for him to ensure he becomes the next governor of Mombasa," said Mihaso.
Awiti assured the elders that he will work with different communities in the region for the sake of unity and victory in the August election.
"I am going to work closely with various communities to ensure unity and victory in the elections," he said, as quoted by the Standard.
Speaking during the same event, Former Likoni MP Suleiman Shakombo said the elders have accepted to back Awiti because he has what it takes to create a conducive environment that will attract investors from different parts of the nation and entire world.
"We also believe he will address the land problem, build infrastructure and ensure security to support investment," said Shakombo.