An American bishop has joined the race for Taita Taveta senator. Bishop Donald Mwawasi who heads an evangelical church in Atlanta US said he made the decision to save the locals from suffering.

"With the amazing resources God has given us in this county, one would expect the residents to lead decent lives but the case is different. Majority of Taita Taveta people are languishing in poverty," he said.

Speaking at a forum in Wundanyi town, Mwawasi promised to improve the infrastructure if elected. He added that he will improve agriculture through the adaptation of irrigation farming.

Mwawasi will battle it out with Mwakazi Mtongolo, ambassador Esther Tole, former Wundanyi MPs Mashengu wa Mwachofi and Mwandawiro Mghanga.

He said he has investors ready to build a university. "We need 2,000 acres to launch the initiative but this depends on your vote," Mwawasi told the residents.