Kagwe said that his move to vie for the seat has been reached after lengthy consultation with residents and opinion leaders drawn from the six constituencies.
He also stated that he is keen to move from Senate into the Governor’s mansion after realising that there is a lot he would want to do for Nyeri people in terms of development that he would not have done in his capacity as Senator.
“I have so many things that I want to for Nyeri people. When holding the senate position, I have missed the opportunity to do them,” Kagwe said.
He said that his main focus will be value addition to agricultural products such as coffee, tea and milk — the economic mainstay of people in the county.
He also said that his policy, if elected, will be focused on promoting tourism in the county by among other things coming with cable cars to allow a scenic view of Mount Kenya peaks and wild animals in Mount Kenya forest.
“We want to think in a new way to create unique opportunities that can in a big way generate income to develop this county,” he said.
His announcement comes a week after the death of Nyeri’s first Governor Nderitu Gachagua, a longtime political ally of the Senator.
Others who are vying for the same seat include current Governor Samuel Wamathai, Wahome Gakuru, Businessmen Thuo Mathenge and Githinji Kinyajui. Gakuru and Mathenge vied in 2013 and lost to Gachagua.
Rumors have it that Rigathi Gachagua, younger brother to the late Governor, is eyeing the same seat.
