Uhuru’s Aide Resigns, Joins Senatorial Race

President Uhuru Kenyatta gives an address in front of Harambee House in Nairobi CBD.
President Uhuru Kenyatta gives an address in front of Harambee House in Nairobi CBD.
The Standard

The director of political affairs and intergovernmental affairs at the Office of the President (OP) Dr Machel Waikenda has resigned to contest for an elective seat in the August polls.

In an interview with Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, February 2, Waikenda revealed that President Uhuru Kenyatta approved his resignation after he gave notice over the same in December 2021.

Uhuru's former political director further disclosed that he would contest for the Kiambu senatorial seat.

Dr Machel Waikenda addresses a gathering at a function in Kiambu County on May 23, 2020
Dr Machel Waikenda addresses a gathering at a function in Kiambu County on May 23, 2020
File

“I gave notice of my resignation in December 2021 and it took effect on February 1,” Waikenda stated.

Additionally, he disclosed that he would contest for the seat through Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party. He added that he would continue supporting the President even as his term comes to an end in less than seven months. 

Waikenda has been a long-time ally of Uhuru and served as the Director of Communication of the defunct National Alliance party (TNA) in 2012.

“I do support the president and will contest for the seat through the CCK party,” he added.

The announcement by Waikenda comes after Kuria announced the appointment of Waikenda as the Chairman of the party's National Elections Board (NEB).

"This appointment is in line with the party's Constitution and Nomination Rules and Regulations that were approved by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Office of Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).

"We wish Waikenda the best of success in this very significant national calling," read part of the party's statement then.

Prior to his appointment as the director of political affairs at the OP, Waikenda served as a County Executive Committee member (CEC) in the Kiambu County government from 2014 to 2017.

The head of CCK’s elections board is also a graduate of engineering and holds a doctorate degree in Business Administration from the United States International University (USIU). 

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