Kisii Wiper Party governor running mate endorses re-election of Governor Ongwae

From left is Kisii Kenya National Congress governorship aspirant Manson Oyongo, ODM Senatorial aspirant Sam Ongeri, Kisii governor James Ongwae and ODM Women Representative candidate Janet Ongera address the press at Kisii IEBC office on 6/08/2017. (PHOTO: Sammy Omingo/Standard)

Candidates under Wiper Party in Kisii County including Mr Charles Birundi, running mate to the party's governor candidate Lawyer Lumumba Nyaberi, have thrown their weight behind incumbent governor James Ongwae less than 12 hours to the elections.

Mr. Nyaberi was not immediately available for comment on whether he supported the move or not.

The candidates say that they have agreed to support Governor Ongwae's reelection bid because of rationalization of team work within NASA.

Addressing the media from Birundi's compound, the leaders said they have decided to support Ongwae who is seeking re-election on ODM tick.

The party's Nyaribari Masaba Constituency candidate Mr Laban Chweya said they will protect Ongwae's votes tomorrow plus all other votes for the ODM Woman Representative Ms. Janet Ongera and those of Senate candidate Prof Sam Ongeri.

"We are willing to work with the governor and we remain confident to clinch majority seats from the region," says Chweya.

Ongwae who also spoke at the press conference thanked the Wiper Candidates for the move. "We will work together despite the government's intimidation and the plot to rig in the elections," he said.

However, despite the agreement to support Ongwae's reelection, Mr. Birundi didn't address the media. Mr. Lumumba too has not issued any statement regarding the move by Wiper Party's candidates including his running mate.

When pressed to explain whether the party had agreed on the move, Governor Ongwae said that it was in the interest of NASA to win the seat.

Mr Lumumba came second in the 2013 governor race. He had contested the seat on a TNA party ticket.