The bid for Mombasa governor yesterday took a new twist with longtime Mvita MP Najib Balala's ally Tendai Mtana Lewa breaking links with him to declare interest in the seat even as the former openly backs another candidate.

The move by Tendai was unexpected given that he served as Balala's campaign administrator steering him to victory in 2002.

The youthful aspirants says he is not keen to contest on any political party because they have not conformed with the ideals of the new constitution even with the Political Parties Act.

"I am standing as an independent candidate but would build working relationships with political parties," he said.