Former Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) for Transport, Wavinya Ndeti has won the Machakos Gubernatorial seat making her the first female Governor in the county.
Wavinya who was vying for the second time after losing in 2017 to former Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua garnered a total 226, 609 votes.
The Wiper Democratic Alliance Party candidate trounced his closest opponent former State House Chief of Staff and Head of Presidential Service Delivery, Waita Nzioka who garnered a total of 129,181votes.
Speaking after receiving the certificate from Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) County Returning Officer, Nelly Ilongo, the former CAS promised to serve the people of Machakos without discrimination.
“Ladies and gentlemen, electing me as the first female governor of Machakos is a demonstration of your trust and confidence in women leadership,” said Ndeti.
“What a great day celebration, today is a great day as we usher a new beginning for Machakos County. Today marks the first step in the journey to put our county back on the path to recovery and prosperity,” said Ndeti.
She thanked the residents for trusting the “Machakos Girls team” by electing her, Agnes Kavindu as the Senator and Joyce Kamene as the Woman Representative to steer this county forward.
“This is indeed historic and a first for Kenya and the world. Benjamin Kofi said leadership does not know gender. Gender knows no leadership,” said Ndeti adding that young girls and women out there can achieve their dreams if they believe in themselves.
She pledged to be a governor for those who voted for her as well as those who didn’t in an effort to pursue food security for the people of Machakos, empower them and boost infrastructure development.
“To the great people of Machakos, I know times have been tough and especially the economic struggles and climate change. During the campaign period, I witnessed your pain and desire for real change. I have listened to you and I am inspired to work for you and with you for a better future,” said Ndeti.
Ndeti thanked the electoral body and the Wiper Democratic Party leader, Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka and the entire fraternity for the immense support they accorded her.
“I laud IEBC for a job well done. To our gallant supporters and volunteers, thank you for believing in our course and working tirelessly day and night to deliver this victory,” added Ndeti.
She further thanked the Ukambani professionals, the business community and all other organized groups for their support, commitment and patriotism.
Chama cha Uzalendo (CCU) gubernatorial seat candidate Nzioka Waita (CCU) conceded defeat before the results were announced.
Nzioka said that politicians have to act in the interest of the people of Machakos where he thanked Machakos people for responding to their message of hope in their four month campaign period and for turning up in large numbers to vote.
“We have no regrets in entering this race. We put our best foot forward. Our ideas were good but our opponent’s tactics were better,” said Nzioka.
The former State House Chief of staff alleged that IEBC presiding officers allowed their opponents twice the number of agents particularly in Mavoko constituency as their agents were thrown out during tallying.
He further claimed that there was voter bribery in Mavoko and no action was taken adding they are compiling evidence and his lawyers will advise on the way forward.
“For now from the results where we stand I think it’s only fair for us to say there is a winner and we are not the winners,” said Nzioka during a press briefing in a Machakos hotel.
Machakos has a total of 687, 541 registered voters and 1,472 polling stations distributed across the eight constituencies namely Machakos town, Mavoko, Kathiani, Kangundo, Matungulu, Mwala, Yatta and Masinga.
Mavoko has the highest number of voters at 132,162 followed by Machakos town with Kathiani and Kangundo constituencies having the least number of registered voters.
By Rachael Kilonzo
