Former Nairobi Governor, Mike Mbuvi Sonko, say his decision to seek the Mombasa gubernatorial seat followed an advisory by his party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka.
Sonko, while appearing on KTN News on Sunday, April 24, stated that Kalonzo advised him to leave Nairobi for Mombasa following what he termed as vested interests in the affairs of the Capital City.
According to the former governor, he could not go against the advice of his party boss as much as he has the interest of the Nairobi population at heart.
"I wanted to vie in Nairobi but because of the respect that I give my party leader, Kalonzo, he told me that there is a lot of interest in Nairobi, hence advised me to opt for the Mombasa gubernatorial slot instead," he stated.
On the decision of Wiper and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) - Azimio La Umoja affiliate parties - fielding candidates in Mombasa, Sonko noted that he would not yield to any candidate but instead would let the residents of Mombasa decide in the August 9 polls.
He also alleged a plot by a section of politicians within the Azimio coalition to file a petition seeking to bar him from seeking the Mombasa top job.
The former governor did not, however, divulge more details on the plan, pointing out that the battle for the gubernatorial slot would be labelled as friendly competition.
"The Azimio presidential flagbearer (Raila Odinga) affirmed that there will be no zoning, so our mandate is to ensure that he becomes the President. He shouldn't be concerned about these other counties and gubernatorial seats as it may bring about divisions within the coalition," he stated.
While giving his reasons for vying for the seat, Sonko detailed that his administration would address the issue of poverty, unemployment, environmental hazards, road construction, health reforms as well as establishing a Sonko Rescue Team in the county.
Sonko will battle with ODM's Abdulswamad Nassir as well as former Mombasa Senator, Hassan Omar, who is vying on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
