The independent electrical board commission (IEBC) has set out 18th February for gubernatorial candidates to battle it out for the Nairobi County top seat at the city hall following the impeachment of former governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko.
IEBC has yet to gazette the mini poll candidates but according to speculations in the political seat, the battle will seem to be between two sides which include of the kieleweke group comprising of President Uhuru Kenyatta together with ODM leader Raila Odinga vs that of deputy president William Ruto the Tangatanga group. In this race, ODM seems like it will not be throwing out a candidate from their side as they will be supporting the Jubilee candidate who will be pointed out which is unlike before.
Also in the race is impeached Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu who submitted his papers to the IEBC even after the board chairman had mentioned earlier that impeached state officers were not eligible to run. In the race also is exiled lawyer Miguna Miguna sponsored by the Third Way Alliance party even though he is out of the country. Miguna who is a big opposer of the government and also who was a big supporter of Raila Odinga seem to be weighing his name behind Ekuru’s party even though it’s still unclear whether or when he will be back after he was deported following swearing of Raila as peoples president.
On the race also is a 25-year-old Rastafarian lawyer Mathenge Mukundi who wants to run on an independent ticket with the symbol of a safe. also on the independent ticket is former student leader engineer Evans Kimori who also submitted his papers in interest to the governor’s seat.
Who will run and manage the county in a better way following the impeached governor’s poor leadership is still unknown. Corruption has been set to be the biggest challenge in the city as ‘cartels’ are looking out to take a chunk of Nairobi’s share.