Namwamba backs CS Wamalwas city job bid

Budalang’i Member of Parliament Ababu Namwamba has joined the camp supporting Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa’s governorship bid for Nairobi County.

Speaking during the memorial of the late Kijana Wamalwa on Tuesday, Namwamba said that as a ‘son of Mulembe Nation’, Wamalwa has his support to ensure he clinches the seat.

“Where one of us has shown interest, it does not matter what shirt he or she is wearing, he is still one of us,” said Namwamba, implying his unconditional support for Wamalwa despite his affiliation to Jubilee.

“Nairobi is for all of us and anyone can vie for any seat in the city county. I would like to assure Wamalwa of my support as he guns for the Nairobi governorship seat.”

The former ODM Secretary General has already set out plans to form his new movement in a bid to unite the Luhya community and face off with Jubilee and CORD in the next elections.

His vocal support for Wamalwa adds impetus to the Cabinet Secretary’s push for governorship as he seeks to consolidate maximum support ahead of the 2017 poll.

Gatundu South MP, Moses Kuria, also reiterated his support for Wamalwa saying he would campaign for him to ensure he wins the race.

In his speech, Wamalwa called for support on his bid saying he has what it takes to lead a development agenda in county number 47.

“You know that this relationship began with Kijana Wamalwa and former President Mwai Kibaki and has trickled down to myself, President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto,” said Wamalwa.

“This partnership between myself, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, Ababu Namwamba all the Governors, Senators, MPs and MCAs here should continue into forming the next government.”

Already, there have been reports of the emergence of two camps in Jubilee with one supporting Wamalwa’s candidature and the second one opposing it.

Despite the entry of Wamalwa in the race, Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru and Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko, all members of Jubilee, have insisted that their names will be in the ballot.

@benjaminwafula