Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu during a past media briefing. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
After many weeks of protracted feud with Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu over ODM ticket to vie for Taita Taveta governor, Governor John Mruttu has thrown in the towel and decided to go solo.Mwadeghu had pipped the county boss in the controversial party primaries conducted in April.However, he successfully appealed the outcome that gave him a lifeline. But with the two still deadlocked in a contest pending a court ruling which is to be delivered on Tuesday, Mruttu called it quit and blamed ODM for frustrating his bid.With the Taita Taveta Governor race becoming crowded, votes are most likely going to be split in many vote baskets, with the greatest casualty likely to be Mwadeghu himself.Coming from the majority Taita community which also happens to be the home to the Jubilee candidate Dan Mwazo, the votes are most likely going to split between the two. And still, Mruttu will not leave empty-handed.Taita is also the home to former Central Bank Deputy Governor Jacinta Mwatela who is vying on an ANC ticket. Though her influence in the county politics is slowly declining, she cannot simply be wished away.Back in Mruttu's Taveta turf, there are no many aspirants vying for the seat. And even if they are there, they are not serious contenders to mount serious challenge.With a possibility of garnering majority votes in Taveta added to the handful in Taita, Mruttu is most likely going to add up his numbers and win a second term in office.