This archive report was first published on 20 January 2022.
As the country gears up for the next general election, officials in Taita Taveta County are making their moves, with some already submitting their resignation letters to pave the way for their political ambitions.
Lands Minister Mwandawiro Mghanga, 63, has already submitted his resignation letter to Governor Granton Samboja, citing his intention to vie for the senatorial seat through the Communist Party of Kenya, which he chairs.
Speaking to Taifa Leo, Minister Mghanga confirmed that he has submitted his letter, stating, 'I am still in office until next month. I am waiting for the notice to be given before I start my campaign officially.'
Minister Mghanga has a long history in politics, having been arrested in 1985 on allegations of plotting a government coup against the late President Daniel arap Moi.
After Moi's rule, Minister Mghanga successfully contested the Wundanyi parliamentary seat in 2002 and served until 2007.
He also vied for the senatorial seat in the last election but came third behind Senator Jones Mwaruma and former MP Joyce Lay.
Minister Mghanga is expected to face stiff competition from John Rugha, Nataniel Noti, and Mike Banton for the senatorial seat.
Other officials expected to resign and vie for political seats include Water Minister Esther Mwanyumba, who is set to contest the women's representative seat, and Agriculture Minister Davis Mwangoma, who plans to vie for the Wundanyi parliamentary seat.
Other officials expected to resign and vie for the Wundanyi parliamentary seat include Governor's personal assistant Wilfred Mwalimo and County Secretary Simon Mwachia.
Political advisor to the Governor, Bigvai Mwailemi, is also expected to contest the Voi parliamentary seat.
