Senator Kabaka's Party Pulls Out of Machakos By-election

The late Senator Boniface Kabaka with Governor Alfred Mutua
The late Senator Boniface Kabaka with Governor Alfred Mutua
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A candidate running on the late Machakos Senator Boniface Kabaka’s party Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) has pulled out of the upcoming by-election, citing financial difficulties - barely a week after the IEBC cleared her. 

Lily Nduku Mwanzia on Tuesday, February 2 explained that she was dropping out of the race after observing the financial muscle that her opponents had obtained from big political parties while she was reportedly relying on meagre personal funds. 

According to a statement she shared with her followers, the politician also said that it would wiser for her to focus on the 2022 General Election other than the by-election. 

CCU candidate Lily Nduku Mwanzia (left) with the IEBC Returning officer Joyce Wamalwa presenting her with the certificate to vie for Machakos Senatorial seat.
CCU candidate Lily Nduku Mwanzia (left) with the IEBC Returning officer Joyce Wamalwa presenting her with the certificate to vie for Machakos Senatorial seat.
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“My opponents have been handpicked and brought about by governments and are fully sponsored and honestly speaking, it would be a tall order to continue competing with aspirants who are using our own resources to campaign.

"I am therefore forced to withdraw my candidature for 2021 and focus on 2022,” Nduku announced. 

She added that the campaigns were untimely and more preparation was required for the next General Election. 

“I want to apologise for any inconveniences caused and ask all my supporters to remain calm as we wait for my party CCU to give direction on this matter,” she concluded. 

CCU will, therefore not be presenting a candidate after the IEBC closed the door for clearance n January 26. 

Senator Kabaka had won the seat on a CCU ticket in 2017 after Johnstone Muthama declined to defend his seat on a Wiper ticket. 

All eyes are now on Former Vice President Stephen Musyoka’s Wiper, Muthama’s UDA party as well as Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua’s Maendleo Chap Chap. 

Wiper’s flag bearer is Muthama’s ex-wife Agnes Kavindu, while UDA nominated Urbanus Muthama and MCC is riding on former Water Minister John Katuku. 

UDA and Wiper parties enjoy the backing of political and financial heavyweights and both flexed their muscles during the IEBC clearance day, bringing Machakos Town to a standstill as their huge convoys snaked through. 

The UDA camp was led by Muthama, former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar as well as Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya.

Wiper was led by political heavyweights from the region including Kalonzo, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Transport CAS Wavinya Ndeti - who incidentally, is a former CCU Party Leader. 

NASA affiliates, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula were also part of the Wiper convoy.

A campaign rally in support of UDA Machakos By-election candidate Urbanus Muthama
A campaign rally in support of UDA Machakos By-election candidate Urbanus Muthama
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