Kidero woos Kamba elders to fend off Sonko’s challenge
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero Tuesday got the backing of over 100 elders from the Akamba community.
Led by Sam Mumbi, the chairman of the Kamba council of elders, the elders endorsed Dr Kidero and his deputy Jonathan Mueke for a second term and promised to fight off any threat posed by Senator Mike Sonko.
“We, as the elders from the Kamba community, are fully behind you and pledge to convince the voters from our community to vote for you again in August 8,” Mr Mumbi said.
“Unlike other governors and their deputies, our relationship with Mueke has been intact, cordial and friendly,” he said.
STERN TEST
Dr Kidero faces a stern test in his quest to retain the seat following Senator Sonko’s nomination as the Jubilee Party candidate for the seat.
The Kamba community overwhelmingly voted for the governor and his deputy in 2013, but with the entry of Senator Sonko into the race, the votes might be split and affect Dr Kidero’s chances.
With over 100,000 Kamba voters residing in Nairobi, they could provide the swing vote that eventually determines who emerges victorious on August 9.
In the 2013 elections, Senator Sonko garnered slightly over 800,000 votes, more votes than what President Uhuru Kenyatta got in Nairobi.
At the event, deputy governor Mr Mueke hailed Dr Kidero for appointing professionals from the community to key positions at City Hall, including key officers such as Health executive Bernard Muia, head of inspectorate Francis Munyambu and Planning chief officer Rose Mwema.
