Kwale governor hopeful Chirau Mwakwere suffered a major blow on Monday after his running mate Simon Mkalla ditched him for Issah Chipera of ODM. It was a major boost for Chipera, who is competing for the ODM ticket with Kwale assembly speaker Sammy Ruwa, former Forestry and Wildlife PS Mohamed Mwarapayo wa Mwachai and businessman James Gereza Dena. Mkalla and Mwakwere were last week endorsed by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at a rally in Kinango. Chipera said he offered to choose Chipera as his running mate and assured supporters that their administration will create jobs. Chipera said Mkalla expected Mwakwere to run on an ODM ticket but he chose Wiper.

Source: The Star April 18, 2017 20:36 UTC