[Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua. He has dropped out of running for the Nakuru gubernatorial race, after President Kenyatta convinced him to.] (File)
The withdrawal of Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua from the gubernatorial contest caught many by surprise, but it seems a well-orchestrated move from top Jubilee leaders.
Mbugua withdrew from the race and back political arch rival Lee Kinyanjui, after reported lengthy negotiations with President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto at State House Nakuru.
Speaking in Molo town on Saturday, Kenyatta confirmed they had brokered a deal between Governor Mbugua and Kinyanjui.
“We spoke last night with the two leaders and Mbugua has agreed to step down for Kinyanjui,” Kenyatta said.
He then went on to heap praise on Mbugua, whom he described as a ‘gentleman’.
The outgoing governor then revealed that he only bowed out because of the respect he has for the president.
“For the sake unity among Jubilee Party supporters and the love I have for the party. I’m collapsing my entire political structure into Jubilee,” he said.
According to reports, negotiations started on Friday night when President Kenyatta and his deputy arrived in Nakuru on a three day tour of Nyandarua.
Mbugua lost in the recently concluded party primaries, and chose to go it alone even though the idea was coldly received by many locals.