Laikipia County Governor, Ndiritu Muriithi, has unveiled his running mate, Macheal Waigwa, an agriculturist, as he seeks to get re-elected on a Jubilee party ticket come August 9 General Elections.
Speaking in Nanyuki town, Sunday, Muriithi who is also the Azimio La Umoja Coalition Chairperson, said he settled on Waigwa based on his vast experience on the agriculture sector, which he noted will be very useful in developing the sector in the agriculture-based County.
“We wanted a person who understands issues on technology on how to improve agriculture and after a lot of consideration and discussion, we settled on Waigwa,’’ said Muriithi,
Muriithi revealed Waigwa holds Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from University of Nairobi and he is a promoter of fruit farming in Laikipia.
Muriithi who is facing the former Governor, Joshua Irungu, alluded that it is a two-horse race in Laikipia County, where he banked on smart town initiatives and infrastructure bond, as some of his track record that would help him trounced Irungu on August 9 poll.
“Allow us to complete the assignment of the smart town, it is attractive to businesses and that is why we are pursuing agriculturists, to better our farmers,” said the county boss.
The Azimio la Umoja Chairperson urged politicians to contest on basis of ideas but not to cause chaos.
He drummed up support for Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance presidential candidate, Raila Odinga and urged residents to elect him.
“We need a president who will fight corruption, with Kenyans interest at heart and continue to promote industrialization,” said Muriithi.
Waigwa said he would support Muriithi to in his campaign for a second term as Laikipia Governor.
“We are going to traverse every corner and prove to residents that we can deliver. With agriculture I believe we can do much,” said the 40-year-old agriculturist.
Earlier, Waigwa was contesting for Laikipia East parliamentary seat through the Jubilee party but lost at nominations held recently, to Antony Rukwaro, who will fly the party flag on 9th August.
He comes from Umande Ward in Laikipia East.
Meanwhile, Murithii, unveiled his running mate just three days after his main rival, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) gubernatorial aspirant, Irungu, who declared 40-year-old Reuben Ngatia, as the second in command, if they win the August poll.
Irungu had said that Ngatia, who hails from Laikipia East Sub-county, Thingithu Ward, is a professional who will bring vast skills and knowledge on water and sanitation, aimed at addressing water issues in the region.
“I want to leave a legacy and serve the people of Laikipia and all I need was a skilled and supportive running mate,” said Irungu.
He noted in 2013 he would have done much better but lacked a supportive running mate.
Ngatia holds a Degree in Biotechnology, Masters in water sanitation and health, and is an accountant. He has also undergone further studies in the United Kingdom (UK) where he studied analytical chemistry.
Muriithi’s current Deputy Governor, John Mwaniki, will be vying for senatorial seat on a jubilee party.
