[Laikipia governor Joshua Irungu. His rivals have accused him of overseeing runaway corruption in his adminstration. Courtesy: Daily Nation]
Laikipia governor Joshua Irungu is facing a tough political litmus test after three governorship hopefuls bowed out of the race in favour of Irungu's fiercest rival.
The three aspirants: Thuita Mwangi, James Mathenge and James Mwangi withdrew from the gubernatorial race on Thursday, resolving to support Nderitu Muriithi.
Muriithi is set to vie on an independent ticket after he lost the Jubilee Party ticket to governor Irungu during the Jubilee Party primaries.
It is believed that the deal was brokered by senatorial hopeful Simon Mithamo who also lost the Jubilee Party ticket to John Kinyua.
Governor Irungu is banking on his track record as county chief for the past four and half years.
His rivals, however, accuse him of runaway corruption that has characterised his adminstration.
They have also put Irungu on the spot over insecurity cases that have rocked the County.