Kwale governor hopeful Chirau Ali Mwakwere at a past event. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
After being in the political wilderness for five years, former Matuga MP Chirau Ali Mwakwere is hoping to restart his political career by clinching the Kwale County gubernatorial seat amid stiff competition.
With his opponents aware of his political clout, his re-entry into politics has sent shock waves across the cosmopolitan county.Mwakwere’s decision to join Wiper, a NASA affiliate party, could have been a strategy to outsmart his rivals in the race for the crucial Kamba votes in the county.Digo is the largest community in the county, closely followed by the Duruma.On the other hand, the Kamba community with over 80,000 registered voters is viewed as the crucial swing community in the county.The Wiper Party factor which is widely associated with members of the community thus boosts Mwakwere’s chances of clinching the seat.Mwakwere, who is a Digo, has picked a Duruma running mate as he seeks to get a share of the incumbent, Governor Salim Mvurya's votes.On his part, Mvurya, a Duruma, has picked Fatuma Achani, a Digo, as his running mate.Mwakwere is already gaining ground in his opponents' strongholds and his bid should therefore not be underrated.
His recent clash with President Uhuru Kenyatta regarding mining of minerals in the county is also likely to boost his popularity in the county.