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A political battle royale is unfolding in Machakos county as four political heavyweights seek to succeed outgoing Governor Dr Alfred Mutua.

The race features four key contenders: Deputy Governor Eng Francis Maliti (Maendeleo Chap Chap), former Transport Chief Administrative Secretary Wavinya Ndeti (Wiper), former State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita (Chama Cha Uzalendo) and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) national chairman and former Senator Johnstone Muthama.

 Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has not disguised the fact that he intends to use the contest to stamp its authority in Ukambani by grabbing the seat.

On the other hand, Mutua is keen to secure his legacy through the election of Maliti, who has been his trusted deputy in his second and last term.

Regional political supremacy, candidates’ development history, campaign cash are some of the factors likely to shape the contest. Other factors include transition politics and incumbency.

Then there is the Kalonzo factor. Kalonzo who has been earmarked as Chief Minister in the Azimio-One Kenya Coalition government has staked claim to the governorship of the three Ukambani counties under the coalition’s power agreement.

In fact, he has demanded that Waita pulls out of the race in favour of Wiper’s Wavinya.

But CCU has protested the demand and asked Kalonzo to keep off Machakos politics. Party has asked Azimio Council to tame Kalonzo, accusing him of bullying and disrespecting other outfits.

Azimio Council comprises party leaders for all 26 founding outfits and is chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

 “We are asking Azimio Council Chairman President Uhuru Kenyatta to intervene and tame Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka who came to Azimio the other day so that he stops belittling us because we are equal partners irrespective of the size of the party,” CCU Secretary General Philippe Sadja said.

  Party declared that it will not withdraw any candidate it has fielded in various elective positions in Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties.

Key positions

“Wiper is not like it was five years ago. Politics has changed everywhere and voters are looking for a leader they can trust not a party they can trust,” Sadja added.

Gender issues are also featuring prominently in the gubernatorial quest where a section of electorates have been accusing Wiper of endorsing women for both senator and governor seats.  While Wavinya is positioning herself as a reformer, Maliti is running on a development platform while Waita has fashioned himself as a manager.

  Muthama pegs his politics on UDA’s economic empowerment mantra. His campaign is largely driven by his contempt for Kalonzo as he positions himself as Deputy President William Ruto’s point man in Ukambani.

Mutua is also rooting for Ruto’s presidential bid in the county.

“ I will construct a chicken slaughterhouse for our people to be selling their chicken at a reasonable price,” Maliti said while on a campaign drive at Mavoko.

Speaking in Kathiani yesterday, Muthama promised that he and Kenya Kwanza Government will bring down the cost of food products and other essentials.

Waita, who bears an outsider tag of failure to command his native Kikamba language, says he is the only solution for Machakos. He has come out to oppose zoning plans by wiper, a constituent member of Azimio.