Nyeri County Council chairman Wachira Maina announced his bid for governor on Saturday. The chairman defected from GNU to Deputy prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta TNA.

"I feel I'm best suited for governor because I have been the chairman of the county council for the last five years," Maina told a press conference at White Rhino Hotel in Nyeri town.

"The council has the same jurisdiction geographically, only the mandates will be new." Maina was the running mate of GNU secretary general Nderitu Gachagua who has also declared interest in the position.

He was among key leaders who hosted TNA presidential candidate DPM Kenyatta on Friday at Outspan Hotel near Nyeri town where he addressed over 100 councillors from Nyeri and Laikipia counties.

The chairman who was accompanied by former Nyeri mayor Joseph Thairu vowed to take the county develop the county's economy and boost agriculture and tourism.

"I will also ensure the chiefs and their assistants are accommodated in the new government. I urge my opponents to conduct peaceful campaigns," Maina added.

Others in the governor race are Mathira former MP Nderitu Gachagua, Swaziland former prosecutor Lincon Kamuya Ng'arua, former university don Gakuru Wahome and youth aspirant Kamau Gatwechi.