Clash of the titans expected in race for key county seats

By NATION TEAM newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com  ( email the author)

Posted  Saturday, February 2  2013 at  00:30

In Summary

• Politicians, rich businesspeople and ex-civil servants prepare for bruising battle

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Powerful titans are expected to face off against each other as they seek new elective positions created under the Constitution.

Polished technocrats, experienced politicians, career civil servants and academics will battle for the positions of Senator and Governor in counties across the country.

In Nairobi, businessman Jimnah Mbaru was on Friday cleared to contest the governorship on an Alliance Party of Kenya ticket.

Mr Mbaru found his way back to the ballot after suffering defeat at the hands of former Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu in The National Alliance party nominations.

Two professors

Mr Mbaru’s earlier exit at the primaries had narrowed down the race to between Dr Evans Kidero and Mr Waititu but his re-entry via APK is bound to throw a spanner in the works.

Another interesting battle for the governorship will be in Bungoma, where assistant minister Alfred Khang’ati will face former Permanent Secretary Kenneth Lusaka, ex-election commissioner Jack Tumwa and retired journalist Wabombwa Walinywa.

On the other end of the compass in Makueni County, two academics- Prof Phillip Kaloki and Prof Kivutha Kibwana- are in the contest with retired army officer Lt-Gen Jones Mutwii, Dr Peter Kilonzo and Mr Peter Maundu on the race to be the next governor.

Makueni will also host an unpredictable competition between two well-heeled politicians who want to be senator- Education minister Mutula Kilonzo and former Kilome MP Harun Mwau.

Another tough contest is expected in Meru, with Higher Education assistant minister Dr Kilemi Mwiria and former bank executive Reuben Marambii in the race.

In Trans Nzoia, Forestry minister Dr Noah Wekesa and former PS Patrick Khaemba have been cleared to contest the governorship.

There will also be one to watch at the coast, where Mvita MP Najib Balala, assistant minister Ramadhan Kajembe and human rights activist Hassan Omar are in the race for the senate. Ms Alice Maitha is the only female candidate.

In Nyeri, two former powerful figures in the Kibaki administration- Dr Chris Murungaru and Mutahi Kagwe- are in the race with tycoon Ephraim Maina and one Job Kareithi for the Senate seat.