Senator Mike Sonko changes tune, backs Kabogo's rival

Bishop David Kariuki Ngari commonly known as Gakuyo of Calvary Chosen centre Church who has announced his candidature for Kiambu gubernatorial seat receives President Uhuru Kenyatta contribution of Sh 1 million from Nairobi senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko during the launch of Gakuyo Foundation on Sunday in Thika. Mr Sonko said he would work with Gakuyo up to jubilee party primaries slated for early next year.PHOTO BY KAMAU MAICHUHIE.

Just months after declaring support for William Kabogo's re-election bid, Senator Mike Sonko has thrown his weight behind the governor's rival.

On Sunday, Sonko said he will instead support Bishop David Kariuki Ngari, commonly known as Gakuyo, who is seeking to unseat Kabogo.

"The bishop is my friend and I will work with him all the way to the party primaries and see how things turn out," Sonko said of Gakuyo, who recently threw his hat in the ring for the governor's position in next year's elections.

Sonko, who spoke in Thika Town where he represented President Uhuru Kenyatta during the launch of Gakuyo Foundation, told the cleric to remain steadfast in his quest.

"Do not fear the big names in the race. When I ran for Makadara MP in 2010, I battled political giants and won. Just go to the people and explain to them your agenda and vision. I can assure you, you will be the governor if you relate with people well," Sonko said.

He added: "Do not fear your competitors. After all, it is the people who have the votes and they will decide who their next governor will be."

Sonko and Kabogo had formed a political front ahead of next year's elections. The two had pledged to consolidate their political base in Kiambu and Nairobi counties. 

 SAME SEAT

This came after Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu endorsed Water CS Eugene Wamalwa for Nairobi governor, the seat Sonko is seeking.

The alliance was meant to reduce Waititu's chances of becoming Kiambu governor.

Sonko told Waititu off, referring to him as a 'political refugee' in Kiambu and pledged his support for Kabogo's re-election. "I'm here to stand with my brother and friend, William Kabogo. Please, do not allow refugees who were kicked out of Nairobi to settle in Kiambu," Sonko said then.

During the Thika event, Sonko presented a Sh1 million donation from the President, Sh500,000 from Deputy President William Ruto and his personal contribution of Sh300,000.

Nominated Senator Fatuma Dullo, who had accompanied Sonko, assured Gakuyo of the Jubilee Party's support.

"I call on residents of Kiambu to elect a person who fears God as their governor because by so doing, you will bring development to this county," said Ms Dullo.

Gakuyo, the Calvary Chosen Centre bishop, said if elected, he will bring everyone on board and emphasise on accountability and economic empowerment.