Sen.Sonko rubbishes Mt.Kenya mps' endorsement for Wamalwa for Nairobi Governorship

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko has dismissed Water CS Eugene Wamalwa's endorsement for the city governor seat. Sonko, who will vie for the post held by Evans Kidero, asked his rivals not to be afraid of Wamalwa despite the endorsement by a section of Mt Kenya MPs. He said in Kiswahili on Monday: " Nimeskia pale Kiambu watu wamendorse Wamalwa.Tusipinge, lakini siasa ya Nairobi itaamuliwa na wananchi wa Nairobi ...sio akina Waitutu." This translates to: "I have heard that Kiambu politicians have endorsed Wamalwa. We cannot reject that but they should know city politics is decided by Nairobi residents...not Waititu and his group)." Ferdinand Waititu, Kabete MP, vied for the seat in the March 4, 2013 general election. He and his counterparts Kanini Kega (Kieni), Jude Njomo (Kiambu) and Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East) said they will support Wamalwa. Sonko continued: " Tusiogope wamalwa. Kura ya Nairobi haiko na wabunge, kura ya Nairobi haiko na wamalwa, kura ya Nairobi haiko na serikali wala opposition, kura ya Nairobi iko na nyinyi wanainchi." "Let us not fear Wamalwa. Nairobi's votes are not with MPs, Wamalwa, the government of the opposition. The vote lies with citizens." But the Senator welcomed the Cabinet Secretary to the race saying they should face each other at the ballot. "Wabunge wenzangu wale wameanza kujiharia kwa sababu wamesikia Wamalwa anakuja Nairobi... Wamalwa ni mkenya..si msupport. Mimi namkaribisha Wamalwa... ako na haki yake," said Sonko. "My colleagues have started feeling jittery just on learning that Wamalwa will vie in Nairobi. He is a Kenyan and should be supported. I welcome him... he has a right to vie." The Mt Kenya MPs publicly announced their support for the CS on Monday suggesting the regions' leaders are keen on rewarding Western for supporting the Jubilee government. The group said, at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church, that Wamalwa was best suited for the job owing to his wealth of experience. "Wamalwa is a friend of President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto. We know that if he takes the mantle in Nairobi, we are going to feel the benefits in Kiambu," Waititu asaid. The CS served as a Justice minister in the coalition government. His endorsement is likely to put bishop Margaret Wanjiru and Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru's bids for governor in disarray.