Former Director of Public Prosecutions and United Democratic Movement (UDM) Philip Murgor has dropped out of the presidential race.
Murgor said his decisions is because of the failure by the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett to provide him with security detail.
In a statement emailed to newsrooms, Murgor also accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Iebc) for failure to enforce regulations barring early campaigns.
“Having reflected, and consulted with my family, friends and supporters, with profound regret, I have decided to pull out of the 2017 presidential race. I however assure Kenyans that this is not the end of my determination to bring about positive, corruption free, detribalized politics to our country.” Murgor said.
The city lawyer did not declare support for any political party, either President Uhuru Kenyatta’s led Jubilee Party or the National Super Alliance (Nasa).
Murgor made the announcement less than a year after he declared his interest to run for the top seat in December last year.
However, UDM will continue to support all part activities including candidaytes vying for different posts except that of the presidency.
“So, too, as I suspend my candidacy, I assure all Kenyans that I will continue the difficult journey of pushing for the awakening our citizens to the critical need for radical change if we as a nation are
to survive and return to the path of prosperity, self-respect and patriotism. I remain a member of UDM and shall continue to support all its activities, and I encourage aspirants to seek nomination through the party for all categories of elective positions.” He added.
Murgor said he will keep his options open for the presidential elections in 2022 open.
The UDM leader expressed fears of personal security due to lack of security detail as a major hinderance for him to effectively campaign across the country.
“The lack of personal security has therefore prevented me from traversing (not necessarily holding campaign rallies) the country like all other presidential candidates and party leaders, to market UDM as
a political party, or my candidature generally, given the current violent nature of campaigns, political activity, and insecurity in the country generally.” Murgor said.
