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Ward reps fight Waititu’s bid for Kabete seat


Former Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu’s interest in the Kabete parliamentary by-election set for May 19 is causing jitters in the county, with some elected leaders fighting his bid.

On Tuesday, a number of ward representatives who accompanied Governor William Kabogo to a function in Kabete urged the electorate not to vote for Mr Waititu, saying he is not a good leader.

The members of the county assembly are allies of the governor. They include Deputy Speaker Anthony Macharia and assembly Chief Whip Charles Arahuka.

Mr Kabogo, who was in Kabete to award bursaries, said he does not have a preferred candidate but urged the residents to be careful on who they elect.

SCUTTLE PLANS

Mr Macharia said Mr Waititu’s candidature is not in good faith, adding that he seeks to scuttle Mr Kabogo’s plans to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta as the central Kenya political kingpin.

“You know where we are heading to. Uhuru will lead for 10 years. After that his deputy (Mr William Ruto) will be the President and he will require a number two (deputy),” he told a crowd at the Muthure Shopping Centre.

A row pitting Mr Kabogo and other leaders in the county is expected to influence the campaigns

The seat fell vacant following the killing of MP George Muchai, alongside his two bodyguards and driver last month.

Mr Waititu said he wants to be the Kabete MP for three years and then return to Nairobi to vie for the governorship, which he lost to Dr Evans Kidero in the last elections.

Mr Arahuka, the MCA for Gitaru, which is in the constituency, said the residents will not elect an outsider.

He said ID and voters’ cards should be produced during nominations as some party members could be brought from other areas.

MUCHAI’S WIDOW

He asked women to consult with Mr Muchai’s widow and front her as a candidate.

Hospital Ward Representative Mwangi wa Mwangi urged Kabete residents not to elect Mr Waititu.

Other MCAs who attended the function are Mr Peter Kiarie (Muchatha), Mr Ndiba Thande (Uthiru) Mr Evans Mberere (Nyathuna) Mr Walter Ndambo (Kabete), Ms Jackline Nugali (Nominated) and Mr David Waithaka.

But Mr Waititu said he is not an outsider, adding that his grandparents are from Karura Kanyungu, which is in the constituency.