Nzioka Waita hints at dropping his gubernatorial bid after 'talks'

Machakos governor aspirant Nzioka Waita has hinted at dropping out of the race ahead of the August polls.

In a statement on Wednesday, the former state house chief of staff said he would issue a statement Thursday morning on his political destiny based on emerging political considerations.

"There comes a time when a man must consult widely, reflect consciously, sacrifice opportunities and make decisions that can enhance that can enhance his political destiny," Waita said in a statement.

He said the statement he will deliver was arrived at after careful and extensive consultations, affirming that "the time to explore unchartered territory is nigh."

"He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day," Waita said, giving the clearest indication that he would abandon his governor aspirations. 

Waita resigned as President Uhuru Kenyatta's Chief of Staff on February 9 to venture into politics.

He later announced that he would vie for the Machakos governor seat on Chama Cha Uzalendo party ticket, an affiliate of the Azimio la Umoja Movement.

There are about five candidates seeking to replace Governor Alfred Mutua. They are Waita, Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, ex-CAS Wavinya Ndeti, Deputy Governor Francis Maliti, and former Senator Johnson Muthama.