The race for the Mwingi Central parliamentary seat continues to attract academic heavyweights after a youthful university don joined it.

Chrispus Kiliko, a son of the first ever Kitui East MP Thomas Mwalwa declared yesterday that he will be vying for the seat.

Kiliko, a PhD holder in Public Policy and who has been a lecturer at the Washington University in US, joins veterinarian Wathe Nzau, accountants Jackson Mwangnagi and Joseh Kula, retired DC Joseph Mutemi, mechanical engineer Joe Mutambu in the race for the newly created constituency.

Addressing opinion leaders at Kwa Ngooka in Ithumbi, Kiliko said he quit his teaching job in the US so he can help solve the problems facing the residents of Mwingi.

"You have been grossly underrepresented. Your wishes and aspirations have never been adequately represented because the leaders you elected have always remained aloof and disinterested," he said.

"I have left affluence, comfort and convenience in America to return home and help you solve the socio-economic problems that have dogged you for years. I will draw from my youthfulness and academic prowess to find solutions."

Likening the constituency to DRC, Kiliko said he will vast minerals in the county are fully exploited. "Were the minerals found in this area properly exploited, it would turn around the fortunes of our people for the better," he said.