Kivutha Kibwana announces presidential bid

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has officially announced that he will be in the ballot for the presidency in the 2022 election.

Governor Kibwana, who is serving his second term in office, made the announcement yesterday in his Twitter account, saying the move has been informed by the voice of the people.

“I have listened to the voice of Wanjiku asking me to run for presidency in the coming election. I am available, ready and willing to be Wanjiku’s President. Will go all the way to the ballot with Wanjiku in 2022. We must ensure devolution works for our communities,” Prof Kibwana wrote on his Twitter account.

The county’s Press Service Director Edward Mwendwa later in a statement urged Kenyans to put the governor in prayers, saying his leadership will be aimed at turning around the country’s prospects.

 “This timely decision is informed by the overwhelming call from members of the public in different public participation forums, who, having keenly looked at his track record, have prevailed on him to run for the highest seat in the country,” the statement emphasised.

Governor Kibwana now joins Deputy President William Ruto among those that have expressed to run for president in 2022

The announcement by Prof Kibwana an erstwhile political rival of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta when his term come to an end is now set to complicate the politics in Ukambani region.

Last week, the governor mended political fences with former Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama, who has also since fallen out with Mr Musyoka and is facing disciplinary action from the Wiper party.

In 2018, Kenyans through online platform piled pressure on governor Kibwana to run for President saying he is capable of delivering services to the people owing to his sterling performance in Makueni County.

Th governor downplayed the calls saying he is still serving the people of Makueni.

Prof Kibwana is next week expected to appear County Public Accounts and Investment Committee (CPAIC) over a number of audit queries as raised in the auditor general report for the financial year 2018/2019.