Wiper party candidate for Machakos gubernatorial race Wavinya Ndeti has welcomed a recent endorsement from incumbent governor Alfred Mutua.

Wavinya, on Sunday, took to Facebook to laud Mutua for backing her up and to express confidence in winning the highly contested seat.

“I graciously accept the valuable endorsement by the outgoing governor Dr Alfred Mutua and treasure his public commitment to vote for me. It’s a big plus for us and goes a long way to demonstrate confidence that only our team has what it takes to steer the County,” she said.

“Getting all sons and daughters of the soil rallying behind my candidature is a true testament of our clarion call. Indeed we are winning big,” she added.

Mutua had on Saturday called on Machakos residents to support Wavinya in her bid to win the governor’s seat.

“I have served you as governor and I am about to leave office. I want to tell you my preferred successor. On August 9, I am voting for Wavinya Ndeti as governor because she is the only one who can develop this county,” he said.

Mutua’s decision to endorse Wavinya would see their differences with Johnson Muthama – who is Kenya Kwanza’s candidate in the Machakos race escalate.

Ndeti will be facing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairman Johnson Muthama and former State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita of Chama Cha Uzalendo.