The Kenya Kwanza coalition was on Sunday, June 24, dealt a blow after a gubernatorial running mate defected to Azimio and dropped out of the August 9 poll - just 16 days to d-day.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Machakos, Rose Wambua announced that she had relinquished her position as running mate to Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Maliti and that she would instead back Chama Cha Uzalendo's gubernatorial aspirant Nzioka Waita.
She explained that Maendeleo Chap Chap and Kenya Kwanza had become difficult to market in the region owing to Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua's record.
"I made considerations and looked at where we have come from ad saw it would be very difficult to convince the people of Machakos to vote for us," Wambua reiterated.
She revealed that Machakos residents petitioned her to back a leader who had never been tried in the region which made her settle on the former State House Chief of Staff.
"I felt that we needed a new broom that can sweep all the dirt in the county. Waita is learned, he has held very serious positions both in the private and public sectors. He knows how to manage organisations and systems," she remarked.
While receiving her, Waita noted that the former deputy gubernatorial candidate was a boost for his bid. He further called on his competitors to cede victory.
"Initially, I was confident that we would win with at least 55 per cent of the vote but with her addition, the number has moved to 60. To my uncle Johnstone Muthama, leave this seat alone, your time has passed," he declared.
The defection by Wambua not only deals a blow to Muliti but also to Wiper candidate Wavinya Ndeti who is a member of the Azimio coalition party.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, constitutional lawyer Martin Oloo stated that in case a gubernatorial running mate reigns, they may be allowed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to run without one.
"You cannot be locked out of the race but you can be elected without a deputy governor or one in absentia, just like in West Pokot. A governor can get elected and be given an opportunity to select a deputy within the law," he added.
Apart from Waita, Muliti, Wavinya and Muthama, Rose Mulwa will also be seeking to succeed Governor Mutua on an Empowerment and Liberation Party (ELP) party ticket.
