Machakos Deputy Governor terms Wiper primaries illegal

Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala speaks during an interview in his office on September 26, 2016. He has refused to take part in Wiper party primaries for the Machakos governorship race. PHOTO | STEPHEN MUTHINI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Kiala said he had obtained orders from the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal stopping the nomination.
  • He said he was opposed to the nomination because he believed the outcome would favour his opponent, Ms Wavinya Ndeti.

Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala has boycotted the Wiper Democratic Party nomination for the county's governorship position terming it "illegal".

Only Ms Wavinya Ndeti's agents could be seen at the polling stations as Mr Kiala's agents kept off.

ILLEGAL NOMINATION

Speaking to the press after a church service in Machakos, Mr Kiala said he had obtained orders from the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal stopping the nominations and had duly served the same to the party and the police.

"There are no nominations for Wiper party. We have a court order, which we served to Wiper CEO Jared Siso and to the police. Anyone who is taking part in the nominations is involved in an illegality," Mr Kiala explained.

PARTY FAVOURS WAVINYA
But Dr Siso denied being served with the orders.

He said whoever wins in the nomination will be declared the party's gubernatorial candidate.

Mr Kiala said he was opposed to the nomination because he believed the outcome would favour his opponent, former Chama Cha Uzalendo leader Wavinya Ndeti, whom he claimed had already entered into an agreement with the party to be the candidate.

"Personally I felt insecure. I felt I was walking into a trap because no matter what happens I stand no chance of winning. The wishes of the party leader must be respected," Mr Kiala said.

VIOLENCE
He denied allegations that he had been working with his boss Governor Alfred Mutua, the leader of Maendeleo Chap Chap, to scuttle the nomination and ensure no Wiper candidate is cleared for the August elections.

Mr Kiala denied the claims, maintaining he is in the Kalonzo Musyoka-led party to stay.

"I am not quitting Wiper. I will fight for my rights and for the rights of the Machakos people to elect their leaders," Mr Kiala said, adding that he is more concerned about the process of choosing the right leadership rather than who eventually becomes the winner.

RECONSTITUTE BOARD

On the April 24, Wiper cancelled the Machakos primaries that were scheduled for April 25 over claims that a rival party was plotting to interfere.

In reaction, Maendeleo party said it would sue Wiper for linking it to the allegations.

Mr Kiala said that Wiper's National Elections Board should resign because it has "mismanaged the elections".