Kwale Governor aspirant Chirau Ali Mwakwere (R) and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at a past rally. Photo/ the-star.co.ke
Kwale gubernatorial aspirant Chirau Ali Mwakwere has formally kicked off his campaigns as the race to replace Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya hits the ceiling.The opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) is taking no chances in the campaigns as it seeks to oust Mvurya who decamped to Jubilee in 2016.At the time of beginning his rallies, he was the only one who had submitted nomination papers to Wiper headquarters in Nairobi, a source from the party told this writer.However, it could not independently be established whether he is the only candidate interested in the seat on a Wiper ticket.If he emerges the only Wiper candidate, the party will hand him a direct nomination and clear him for the August 8 political contest.Mwakwere was accompanied by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who urged Kwale residents to vote for the opposition candidate.“Our agenda is to transform the nation,” Kalonzo said.“This, we will do by bringing prosperity to all Kenyans irrespective of their political, social, religious or tribal background. NASA all the way,” he added.Mwakwere resigned from his post as Kenya's envoy to Tanzania to run for the Kwale governor seat following Mvurya's defection to Jubilee.Prior to his defection in December 2016, he met ODM party leader Raila Odinga and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho who cemented his journey to NASA.Mwakwere who vied for the Kwale Senatorial seat on a United Republican Party ticket against the late Boy Juma Boy of ODM in 2013 had been omitted from the 2016 published presidential campaign team, sparking speculation in the local political circles.Mvurya who recently accompanied Deputy President William Ruto on a tour of Bomet County expressed confidence he will win the August 8 vote against Mwakwere.