Nzioka Waita defends decision to join President Ruto’s UDA party

Machakos County gubernatorial seat contestant in the last general election Mr Nzioka Waita has defended his move to join President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Mr Waita said on Sunday that he wants to work with the national government to bring development to Machakos, noting he is certain with President Ruto's re-election in 2027.

Speaking at Kisovo ABC church in Kathiani on Sunday, Mr Waita said major roads in the county require the intervention of the national government to be tarmacked.

Mr Waita said he belives it is only the UDA party which is going to do fair nominations.

"I want those seeking political seats to know that the only party which will do fair nominations is UDA. The rest, people will just be given tickets," said Mr Waita.

He referred to a recent political rally by the Wiper Party in Masinga where Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka said Governor Wavinya Ndeti may not go through a nomination process as she was lucky her rival Mr Waita had joined the UDA party.

Mr Waita said that was an indication that there will be no party nominations in Wiper.

He warned other aspirants seeking the Wiper Party ticket to be wary as they were likely to be shortchanged.

Mr Waita was speaking in public for the first time since meeting President Ruto at State House where he said the head of state had assured him of his support.

Mr Waita urged Mavoko MP Patrick Makau who has declared interest in the Machakos gubernatorial seat to join UDA if he is interested in fair nominations.

Mr Waita who came second in the last election garnering over 100,000 urged the Kamba community to “support Ruto's re-election to be part of the next government.”

"If we don't support President Ruto, who is going to win the next election, we will remain in the opposition for the next 20 years," Mr Waita claimed.

Waita however reiterated that he had no problem with other political parties adding that his mission was to restore the dignity of the people of Machakos and create employment for the youth.

"I have no problem with any party because if I am elected Governor, I will work with the leaders you will elect. I respect Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka but we part ways when he says he will force Wavinya Ndeti on us as Governor of Machakos," said Mr Waita.

He said he had been seeking to join Wiper but there was no room for him.

Mr Waita said his vision is to enhance road network in Machakos County to enable residents move easily and conveniently across the devolved unity and beyond.

He dismissed those who claim he does not speak the local Kamba language, clarifying that the job he is seeking can best be performed by someone who can negotiate for development using the National languages.