Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) candidate Lung’anzi Chai, who is fighting for the Kwale governorship has received a major  boost after 11 Ward Reps backed him, throwing the race to succeed Salim Mvurya wide open. 

 An opinion poll by Infotrak Research released last week indicated that United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Fatuma Achani,  was leading with 31 percent support.

 Achani has been deputizing outgoing Governor Salim Mvurya since 2013 and is banking on his support as she seeks to become the first female governor in the countyShe is followed closely by ODM’s Hamadi Boga with 25 per cent. Lunganzi came third while former Cabinet minister Chirau Mwakwere (Wiper) was fourth with 3 percent.

However, Lunganzi’z new support by the MCAs last week could alter the race, with polls showing that 29 per cent of the voters were undecided.

As the August 9th general election draws near, the gubernatorial campaigns have entered a fever pitch as the candidates transverse the area seeking support from the locals.

Speaking at Tiwi, Waa and Ng’ombeni wards in Matuga constituency Lung’anzi, who was accompanied by a section of MCAs, asked the locals to support his bid  saying he will mainly focus on empowering the unemployed youths and women with the county government tenders.

Discredit Mvurya

“There are many youth and women groups in the county that qualify in getting the small tenders like beautification, garbage work, minimal supplies which can empower them, I assure you that such tenders and supplies will be done by the locals,” he said.He said that there were many educated youth who are victims of drug abuse which has rendered them unproductive.

 Opponents have sought to discredit Mvurya’s hugely successful bursary fund that Achani is riding on in her election campaigns.

Lung’anzi’s sentiments were echoed by Mkongani MCA Ndoro Mweruphe who accused Achani of failure to address problems facing the youth and women.

However speaking at Ukunda Bus park in Msambweni constituency, Achani said she was best placed to build on Mvurya’s legacy.