Moses Kuria may sail through mini-poll as rival quits

The National Alliance’s candidate for Gatundu South, Mr Moses Kuria, might have an easy task in the August 7 by-election after his sole opponent stepped down.

Mr Joachim Kamere of the New Democrats Party announced his withdrawal from what could have been a tough two-horse race. Mr Kuria could be declared elected unopposed.

Mr Kamere said he made the move due to his respect for President Uhuru Kenyatta and to avoid antagonising his party — TNA.

“Gatundu South being the home of the President, I don’t wish to be associated with political divisions and be the cause of unnecessary tensions in his backyard,” said Mr Kamere in a statement. He further said he did not want to give fodder to the opposition.

Mr Kamere was received by former Gatundu South MP Ngengi Muigai, who is also a member of the Kenyatta family, and members of the constituency campaign team.

At the same time, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) communications manager Tabitha Mutemi said they were yet to receive official written communication on the candidate’s withdrawal from the by-election.

“This is the first time this has happened in this dispensation, so I can’t tell at this stage what will happen next. We will have to study the law so that it informs us on the next course of action once we receive communication,” she said.

Mr Kamere denied claims he was under pressure from some quarters to step down. Sources said he visited State House on Thursday and Friday morning before convening a press conference in Nairobi to announce his decision. He said he had written to the IEBC, informing it of his decision.

Contacted for a comment, Mr Kuria said: “I stand for the unity of Gatundu South people, whether they were supporting me or not”

Additional reporting by John Njagi