Mutua says Maendeleo Chap Chap will not field presidential candidate

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has said his new Maendeleo Chap Chap party will not field a presidential candidate in the 2017 General Election, even as he declines to say whom the party will back.

In a meeting with political aspirants, Dr Mutua said his party will invite contestants for any other position but will let the presidential ticket pass as it prepares its ground.

“In the next General Election of August 2017, the party will field candidates for the seats of governor, Senator, MPs and MCAs, all over the country,” he said after meeting the aspirants at Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.

“The party will support its candidates with materials, financial support, equipment and other necessary campaigning support to ensure victory. Let us go and sweep this nation and paint it MCC – Maendeleo Chap Chap,” he said.

Dr Mutua, who decamped from Wiper Democratic Movement, the party that he used in 2013 elections, said his party will be setting up offices around the country to help get in touch with those who want to join.

“From today, the party will embark on setting up structures – from every polling station to national offices. You will all be involved in the process,” he said.

Dr Mutua, despite going against the grain by leaving a popular party in his backyard, says his Chap Chap will do just fine in the election.

“This is a party by the people and for the people - young and old, women and men. It is a party that cares,” he said.

“All of us have a home in this democratic and national party. We will be victorious because inawezekana na itawezekana (it is possible and will be possible),” he said.