Jamleck Kamau pulls out of contest

Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau. (Photo: Boniface Okendo/Standard)

Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau will not participate in the Jubilee Party repeat nominations for Murang’a governor race.

This is despite the Political Parties Dispute Resolution Tribunal ordering a repeat poll within 48 hours.

The three-member tribunal had on Friday ruled that the exercise in which Governor Mwangi wa Iria was declared winner, was marred by irregularities.

The ruling gave Jamleck a lifeline and a second chance to square it out with Wa Iria, however, he opted out of any political contest in the August 8 General Election.

But the legislator maintained that he won the nominations with 120,000 votes while claiming the vote was twisted in favour of his opponent.

“As far as am concerned I won the nomination but there was massive rigging. I am pleased with the tribunal’s decision but I have decided not to tire the people of Murang’a in a repeat process,” he said Saturday.

He has further urged the party to issue the certificate to his opponent adding that he will not quit Jubilee. “I will not be in the ballot come August. I will nevertheless support President Uhuru Kenyatta,” he added.

Wa Iria had already moved to the High Court to challenge the decision by the Kyalo Mbobu-led tribunal.

JP Secretary General Raphael Tuju had also indicated they would appeal the tribunal’s decision, saying they did not have funds and time to conduct a fresh nomination.

The MP had challenged the outcome where he garnered 118,274 votes against Wa Iria’s 205,976 during the April 26 primaries.