Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu, and Governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa), John Mruttu (Taita Taveta) and Amason Kingi (Kilifi) at a past event. [Photo: Hassan Joho/ facebook.com]
The battle for governorship in Coast counties has taken shape after parties affiliated to NASA and Jubilee completed their nominations.The contest will see incumbents fighting to defend their seats as newcomers pitch tents in different parts in a bid to ascend to power in August.Most of the candidates who have declared interest in the seat are members of Jubilee and ODM parties.Wiper has also fielded strong candidates including Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar and former Tanzanian High Commissioner Chirau Ali Mwakere who will be contesting against Governor Hassan Joho and his Kwale Counterpart Salim Mvurya respectively.Suleiman Shahbal (Jubilee) and Nyali MP Hezron Awiti (Vibrant Democratic Party) have also declared interest in unseating Joho.Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi (ODM) will be defending his post. Kingi is set to square it out with Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro of Jubilee Party. Former Labour Minister Kazungu Kambi (Kadu Asili) and Prof Gabriel Katana have also promised to give Kingi a run for his money come August.On the other hand, Governor John Mruttu has hinted on running as an independent candidate after he lost to Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwandeghu during the ODM nominations.Lamu Governor Issa Timamy will battle it out with former Kenya Ports Authority board of directors member Abdalla Fadhil (ODM), former KenGen manager Swaleh Imu and Lamu West MP Fahim Twaha (Jubilee).