Wavinya Ndeti resigns as Transport CAS to contest for Machakos Governor seat

Transport and Infrastructure Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Wavinya Ndeti has officially tendered her resignation and joined the race for Machakos governorship ahead of the August general elections.

The former Kathiani Member of Parliament declared her candidacy on Friday where she also stated she was stepping down from public office to vie for the seat.

“Pursuant to the provisions of section 43 (5) of the Elections Act, 2011 that require those holding public offices and who wish to contest for any elective post in the forthcoming August 9, 2022, General Elections to resign... I have henceforth tendered my resignation from the office of Chief Administrative Secretary effective from today February 4, 2022,” Wavinya said in a press briefing.

She added that she has what it takes to clinch the seat and oversee developments of the county in the next government citing her experience from her recent government deployments.

“Since January 2020, I have been serving as CAS, Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works. Previously, and before assuming the position of CAS, I served for one year as the Chair of the Governing Council, Kenya Water Institute,” she stated.

Wavinya added: “Kama ni kupenda kwa mwenyezi Mungu, nataka nichukue miaka yangu kumi, nichukue penye alikua ameachia nipeleke Machakos to the other level. I am armed with a strong resolve to put our County back on the path to prosperity."

She seemingly dismissed claims of Machakos being divided, asserting that the lower eastern region which has long been seen as Kalonzo’s stronghold was united to rally behind one leader come August.

“Machakos ni block moja, itaenda direction moja, take it to the bank. Wakamba watavote pamoja and there will be no splitting of votes, na kura zikitoka utakuja kuona,” she said.

In regard to whether her party leader Kalonzo had resolved to rally behind the ODM leader Raila Odinga or if he would join Deputy President William Ruto, Wavinya said the party was looking for a favourable coalition.

She hinted at coalition talks with the president and Odinga to forge a pact that would see the country get the best leader.

“We are talking with the president and Raila and we will see which side we are comfortable working with," Wavinya noted.

This comes barely two days since State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita declared his candidature for the governor position.

The two will be facing off to succeed Governor Alfred Mutua whose two-term reign comes to an end in August.