Karungo wa Thang'wa accuses rivals of taking him to court

Kiambu senatorial aspirant Karungo wa Thang'wa. [Esther Jeruto, Standard]

UDA's senate candidate for Kiambu, Karungo wa Thang'wa, has blamed the tribulations that almost locked him out of next month's elections on his rivals whom he said were determined to stop him from vying. 

Karungo's problems started when a petitioner moved to court challenging his eligibility to vie for the seat following his impeachment as Kiambu County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs.

Later, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Disputes Tribunal disqualified him from running in the August 9 poll saying Karungo had been removed from office through impeachment and would therefore be disqualified from ever holding public office.

The High Court would quash IEBC's decision and directed the commission to ensure Karungo's name is on the ballot. The court said there was no evidence of corruption that was cited during his impeachment.

And speaking during a series of campaign rallies in Kiambu on Sunday, Karungo claimed his competitors wanted him locked out of the race.

He will be up against Jubilee candidate George Maara, Michael Waikenda of Chama Cha Kazi, and an independent candidate, John Mugwe.