By Mutuku Mwangangi
The battle for Machakos senatorial seat has taken a new twist after Chama Cha Cha Uzalendo (CCU) unveiled its candidate for the race to replace their departed former leader, Boniface Kabaka.
On Monday, January 18, the party unveiled an activist, Lilian Nduku Mwanzia, to an already crowded race that has attracted among others, former Water minister Mutua Katuku of Maendeleo Chap Chap, Wiper's Agnes Kavindu Muthama, and United Democratic Alliance Urbanus Ngengele.
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Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at a Machakos hotel, CCU Secretary-General Philippe Sadjah said that the party will activate its grassroots structures in a bid to bring home the seat that they originally held.
"I want to state categorically that Machakos Senate seat belonged to CCU and we will comp every part of the county to reclaim it. I want to tell our competitors that we will give them a run for their money," said Sadjah.
CCU had earlier criticized a move by the Wiper party to front Kabaka's widow, Jenifer Mueni, saying it amounted to a betrayal. The umbrella party later dropped Mueni for Muthama.
Although CCU is one of the parties that is philosophically aligned with Deputy President William Ruto's hustlers ideology, it is expected to face-off with UDA in the upcoming by-election.
"In terms of ideology, we are in close proximity with hustlers ideology but we are not in Hustler Nation. We are a party that believes in people empowerment and Democratic space," said Sadjah.
Mwanzia, who unsuccessfully vied for the Tala ward seat in 2017, has a soft spot for DP Ruto and has been one of his grassroots ambassadors.
"There are 15 candidates who went to Karen to see DP Ruto and I know my name was left behind deliberately because I am a threat. Let us meet on the ballot" said Mwanzia.
"Kabaka was elected on a CCU party ticket and honestly he didn't finish his term. I am asking for votes from the people of Machakos so that we can continue from where our brother left off," she said.
