Meru elders have endorsed Nairobi assembly majority leader Abdi Guyo for Isiolo governor.
They also endorsed Hudson Kinyua as Guyo's running mate.
The declaration was made by Njuri Ncheke elders led by Elijah Mugambi and Geoffrey Nabea after a series of consultative meetings at an Isiolo hotel on Monday.
The elders also tasked their leaders to consolidate the Meru vote bloc ahead of the August polls.
Nabea said Isiolo requires a leader who will unite the people and embrace cohesiveness due to it's cosmopolitan nature.
He said Guyo is the most suited candidate.
Guyo is eyeing the seat on Jubilee ticket said also seeks to make alliances with the Turkana, Samburu, Somali and Borana communities.
The majority leader became a top contender after he was endorsed by Governor Mohamed Kuti.
Kuti dropped his re-election bid due to ill health. The governor had only served for one-term.
Other candidates eyeing the seat include former governor Godana Doyo, EACC boss Halake Dida and businessman Hussein Tene.
Kinyua said the endorsement by Meru community will give Guyo an edge.
The Meru community are the second most populous in Isiolo, he said.
"We are now obliged to vote for Guyo as we seek formidable alliances with other communities living in Isiolo," he said.
Kinyua, who was also eyeing the Isiolo gubernatorial seat, shelved his ambition in favour of Guyo.
The majority leader said he will deliver more projects owing to his connections and influence with the national government.
He said issuance of tittle deeds and completion of various projects initiated by the current government will be his key priority.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
