•They said all the aspirants ought to have been exposed to a free and fair nomination process.
•Some vowed to vote for their opponents on August 9.
Image: GEORGE OWITI
Political dynamics in Wiper have changed after former Transport CAS Wavinya Ndeti was issued the party ticket to contest for the Machakos governor seat.
The decision, negotiated democracy has created a lot of jitters and celebrations among the residents.
It ended political woes between Ndeti and Mavoko MP Patrick Makau who was also in the race to get the party ticket.
The legislator, however, agreed to step down in Ndeti’s favour and was issued a direct party ticket to retain his seat.
Four aspirants had however been campaigning awaiting Wiper primaries to get the ticket.
They included Mlolongo/Syokimau MCA Daniel Mbevi, Felix Mambo, Michael Wambua and Phillip Kilonzo.
Some supporters have criticised the issuance of direct nomination certificates to individuals terming the action as unfair and undemocratic.
They said all the aspirants ought to have been exposed to a free and fair nomination process.
Some vowed to vote for their opponents on August 9.
They said CCU leader and Machakos governor aspirant Nzioka Waita might benefit due to the fallout and get voted by the discontented Wiper supporters.
In Mlolongo, residents on Saturday held a meeting with Mbevi.
They urged him to remain on the ballot for the same position but as an independent candidate.
“Don’t be bothered by what happened at the Wiper Command Centre on direct tickets issuance. We will vote for you,” Joel Juma said.
Mbevi said having considered several issues including electorate demands, he had decided to be on the ballot.
The MCA said he was ready to face any candidate contesting on any party ticket.
“During the meeting with residents, we highlighted what we discussed during the meeting we had with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and agreed to step down for Makau to retain his seat,” he said.
“However after the meeting, there were concerns and the electorates were not impressed with what we agreed on with Kalonzo.”
Mbevi said the residents want him to be on the ballot and he will follow their instructions.
“We have been campaigning preparing ourselves for Wiper nominations and now that they never happened, we are getting into the second league of the campaigns,” he said.
Mbevi said he was prepared to continue hitting the ground as he mobilises his votes.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris