TRADE minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere now faces stiff challenge in the race for Kwale Senate seat after a civil engineer, Nicholas Zani, declared interest in the position.

Speaking in Vuga, Zani said he had decided to contest against Mwakwere to champion the welfare of the youth in the region. "I have decided to get into the race to see to it that the welfare of, especially, the youth and women are considered" said Zani.

The engineer from Matuga's family of authors is likely to tilt the fortunes at home bring to an end to the Mwakwere dynasty decade-long rule. Another contender who has been dismissed by Mwakwere ally Kinango MP Gonzi Rai is former Lands PS Kombo Mwero. Rai who is lands assistant minister is rooting for Mwakwere in the County dominated by the Digo, Duruma and minority Kambas in a power deal.

Rai agreed to campain for Mwakwere as the trade minister roots for Salim Mphurya as governor against former MP Simeon Mwero Mkallah and educationist Michael Chidzao. "The deal is sealed.Mwakwere goes for senate while Mphurya becomes the governor as they have adequate experience to develop this county" said Rai. Zani and Mwakwere have been raising funds, meeting youth and women groups in Kinango, Msambweni and Matuga constituencies.