Kinuthia Mbugua officially quits race for Nakuru seat

Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has officially withdrawn from the race to defend his seat in the August 8 elections.

Governor Mbugua informed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of the decision through a letter dated June 3.

The governor has remained silent over the issue since news of his exit from the race was broken by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto during their three-day visit of the county two weeks ago.

In the letter, the Governor Mbugua stated that he will now support Jubilee candidate for the seat Lee Kinyanjui.

Mr Kinyanjui polled 216,385 votes against Mr Mbugua’s 150,137 in the Jubilee primaries in April to secure the party’s ticket.

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Former National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) chairman John Mututho who came a distant third with 30,487 votes in the primaries has since registered as an independent candidate and will be in the race.

Also in the race is Nakuru Senator James Mungai, former Naivasha MP John Mututho and Mr Isaiah Gichanga Kariuki (independent), while nominated Senator Paul Njoroge is the Kanu candidate for the seat.

Mr Mbugua, through his head of communications Eddy Kimani, on Tuesday evening told Nation that he is now focused on campaigning for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election bid.

“I have now embarked on campaigning for President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto,” said Mr Mbugua.

On June 3, President Kenyatta and the DP Ruto prevailed upon Mr Mbugua to withdraw his bid and support Mr Kinyanjui.