Race for Mumbuni North Ward seat kicks off

Machakos County Assembly during the unveiling of the 2024/2025 budget on June 20, 2024. [File, standard]

The race to elect a new Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Mumbuni Ward in Machakos Town Constituency has kicked off in earnest.

A fierce political battle is building up across the region as major political parties scheme to capture the seat, formerly held by Gideon Kavuu of Maendeleo Chap Chap party, and who passed on in August 2023.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set the by-election for November 27th this year.

On Thursday, Mwala MP, Vincent Kawaya, who is also the national organizing secretary of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, staged a mammoth rally at Kisooni in Mung'ala, where he unveiled the party's candidate, Misi Mutua.

Misi, a seasoned logistician hails from the populous Mung'ala Sub-Location which historically produced the Ward's successive MCAs for nearly three consecutive election cycles.

During the event, Kawaya sought to persuade voters to vote for a candidate who is allied to the ruling party in order to ensure speedy development in the Ward which has remained unrepresented for the past two years.

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"Do not be deceived. UDA is the ruling party. A vote for Misi will guarantee swift access to accelerated development in the Ward. Ignore other people who will try to sway you with empty rhetoric," said Kawaya.

Addressing the crowd, Misi pledged to champion the region's interests in education, infrastructure and youth employment if elected to office.

"I am offering myself to represent the people of Mumbuni North and fast-track various development projects that have stalled. I am not a wheeler dealer," he said.

Observers predict that the race will be epic, considering Maendeleo Chap Chap party, in whose ticket the area MP, Caleb Mule was elected, has also picked its own candidate, Harrison Wambua. At the same time, the Wiper Patriotic Front has identified Anthony Kisoi, who is expected to face off with Misi and Wambua in the grueling campaigns.

The anticipated by-election has already elicited rigorous lobbying and silent campaigns, even before the IEBC announces the official campaign schedule for the mini-poll.