Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) candidate for the Machakos Senate race, Lily Nduku Mwanzia, has withdrawn from the race and thrown her weight behind Maendeleo Chap Chap’s Mutua Katuku.

Ms Mwanzia, who was accompanied by a host of CCU national officials led by the party’s secretary general, Phillipe Sadja made the announcement yesterday at a press conference in Machakos.

She was received by Katuku and several other officials of the Maendeleo Chap Chap party.

CCU was the party on whose ticket the late Senator Boniface Kabaka clinched the senatorial seat in the 2017 General-Election. Kabaka was the CCU’s party leader until his demise.

“After extensive consultations as a party, we have resolved and agreed to withdraw our candidate, Lily and back Katuku for the seat,” Sadja said.

The secretary general noted the party’s resolve to withdraw their candidate in favor of Katuku was agreed after the candidate, party officials and supporters entered into a consensus.

“We have had a candid discussion with our candidate as well as party officials and supporters and we are in agreement to not only endorse Katuku but also campaign for him to make sure he wins the seat,” he said.

He said Katuku was the most competent candidate, owing to his wide experience in legislation and oversight when he served as Mwala MP for 10 years.

Mwanzia said she withdrew from the race in the best interest of Machakos residents. “Our desire as a party is to ensure that the oversight agenda in the Senate is driven by the right person. We believe Katuku is competent enough to deliver such mandate,” she said.

Huge boost

Katuku termed the endorsement as a huge boost for his senatorial bid. “I thank CCU for supporting my candidature. We take their help very seriously and we believe ours will be a combination that will deliver victory to us and the people of Machakos,” he said.

He pledged to put the interests of Machakos residents first of elected senator and dismissed claims by his opponents that he will be incapable of checking the excesses of the executive.

“Being from the same party as the governor does not mean I’ll be compromised. Never. I will tighten all bolts to ensure the county executive undertakes their obligation in accordance with the law,” said Katuku.

The People Trust Party’s Secretary-General Joseph Mathuki has announced the party’s support for Katuku.

Mathuki had earlier announcement bid for the Senate race said his party’s structures will be activated up to the grassroots to ensure Katuku clinches the seat in March 18 by-election.