Mbugua picks running mate as he prepares to defend his seat as independent candidate
Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has announced that will defend his seat as an independent candidate in the upcoming General Election.
Mbugua who lost to former National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Chairman Lee Kinyanjui in the Jubilee Party primaries last months, said he felt duty bound not to let the people of Nakuru down hence declaring his independent candidature to continue with the work he started.
Declaring his candidature today, Mbugua thanked Nakuru residents for coming out in large numbers to participate in the party nominations saying those who voted for him again is a clear testimony of the trust they have in him and his leadership.
The Governor explained that he has been consulting widely after nominations with various groups from the county, the culmination being his latest decision and called for Nakuru’s undivided support as he seeks re-election.
Mbugua has however dropped his current Deputy Joseph Ruto and replaced him with the youthful Dr. Peter Ketynya, whom he unveiled today.
“It is because of their wise counsel and my own personal commitment that I have decided to take advantage of the constitutional provisions and my democratic right to take part in the next general elections as an Independent candidate,” said Mbugua in a statement.
“I have continued to consult among the rank and file of the great people of Nakuru. I have talked and listened to the valued views of the many groups and individuals along the streets, community leaders, religious leadership, professionals as well as the business community of our great county…All these individuals and groups have expressed their reservations with both the process and the outcome of the just concluded party nomination process,” he added.
Mbugua however said he would continue rallying Nakuru residents to support re-election bid of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto.
“I wish to assure the President and his Deputy that even as an Independent candidate, I will still join hands with the people of Nakuru County in campaigning and mobilizing the entire electorate for their re-election. These two leaders are Kenya’s best choice of leadership.
“I am pleading with Kenyans, and particularly the great people of Nakuru County to offer them their unwavering support,” he said.
Mbugua had at first rejected the outcome of the nominations and declared that he would appeal the results since they did not reflect the will of the people.
But Kinyanjui extended an olive branch to his opponents asking them to concede defeat and work with the winning team. The former Nakuru town MP garnered 216,387 votes against Mbugua’s 150,137 votes while former Nacada Chairman John Mututho came third.
