Former State House Chief of Staff, Nzioka Waita, has settled on Florence Mwangangi, mother to Health Chief Administrative Secretary, Mercy Mwangangi, as his running mate in the Machakos County gubernatorial race.
Speaking on Thursday, March 24, Waita noted that he settled on the Machakos County Assembly Speaker since the two share the vision for the county.
"Today, I Nzioka Waita, Machakos governor-in-waiting, proudly present the best running mate, Florence Mwangangi," he wrote.
Nzioka, who is trying his hand in politics for the first time, added that upon consultations, he discovered that Mwangangi understood the challenges facing the residents and how best to solve them.
"I met a woman who shared my values and principles, who told me that we must simply commit to working for the people of Machakos. She understands that the people have limited access to water, and some areas have been completely left out from development projects by leaders," he added.
Nzioka, who will be running on a Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) ticket, added that the choice of a female running mate was a political statement.
On her part, Mwangangi explained that she shelved her gubernatorial ambitions in favour of Nzioka and for the sake and love of the people of Machakos.
She also announced her defection from the Wiper Democratic Movement to CCU.
"As a conscientious and seasoned politician, I take note of the complementary value that our joint candidature with Nzioka presents. For this reason and after extensive consultations, we have agreed to join forces and deliver the Governor's seat back to the people of Machakos," she noted.
The resolution by the two to work together was brokered by the Machakos Council of Elders, Business Community, Professionals, Youth and Women Leaders.
Nzioka described the partnership as a landmark in the politics of Ukambani. He likened it to the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga.
Nzioka and Mwangangi also declared support for Azimio La Umoja, explaining that they will ensure that the Kamba community is not left out of 'the winning formation' ahead of the August 9 polls.
