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Aspirants hope to defy Wiper wave to win seats in Machakos
Winfred Mutua and Agnes Kavindu, who are contesting seats in Machakos County on Jubilee Party tickets. PHOTOS | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Ms Mutua is testing the murky waters of politics for the first time.
- The division in Wiper Party over the recent party nominations could also work in Ms Kavindu's favour.
Some women aspirants in Machakos are hoping to defy the Wiper Party wave in their quest for elective seats.
Winfred Mutua, 29, is seeking to fill the shoes of firebrand Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama.
Ms Mutua, who describes herself as an ICT expert, a mother and a businesswoman, is among five candidates cleared Sunday by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to vie for the Senate seat.
Senator Muthama is not seeking re-election after falling out with the Wiper Party leadership during the party nominations.
Ms Mutua is testing the murky waters of politics for the first time.
SENATE
She is promising to inject a youthful flair into the affairs of the Senate.
She says she is not shy to go against the Wiper Party's popularity wave by choosing the Jubilee Party.
But she is not alone, as Agnes Kavindu Muthama, the estranged wife of Senator Muthama is also vying on a Jubilee ticket.
Ms Kavindu is seeking the woman representative seat currently held by Susan Musyoka.
The church leader is vying on the promise to empower women and safeguard their rights.
Ms Kavindu has been involved in court battles against Mr Muthama, whom she accused of trying to evict her from her home in Kitanga village, Machakos.
The case filed by the Federation of Women Lawyers is still pending in court.
NOMINATIONS
Her networks as a church leader and the 'Muthama' name will be a plus for her as she goes into the campaigns.
There are those who feel aggrieved by Senator Muthama's conduct regarding his outbursts against Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Senator Muthama has also had an antagonistic relationship with Machakos County Governor Alfred Mutua and virtually all MPs from the county.
Supporters of these leaders may gang up and vote in favour of Ms Kavindu "to teach Senator Muthama a lesson", as political commentator Kaveva Mwangangi puts it.
The divisions in Wiper over the recent party nominations could also work in her favour.
The incumbent, Dr Musyoka, lost narrowly to Joyce Kamene. Dr Musyoka will be on the ballot as an independent candidate.
The woman representative seat is a bit crowded, as another candidate in the race is Maendeleo Chap Chap's Francisca Mutinda.
