Mbugua, Kamanda concede defeat in Jubilee primaries

Former Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua on Thursday withdrew his petition challenging Jubilee primaries results leaving incumbent Yusuf Hassan to fly the party flag in the August 8th General Elections.

Speaking at the Jubilee Party headquarters in Nairobi, Mbugua pledged to support Yusuf Hassan in his re-election bid.

“After consultations, I am now persuaded that the interests of the country are bigger than those of individuals,” the ex-Kamukunji MP said during the press conference attended by Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju and Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Mike Sonko.

The incumbent Yusuf Hassan had  alleged that the returning officer tallying Kamukunji results was bribed by his opponent to rig the results, adding that he beat Mbugua with more than 4,000 votes.

Meanwhile, the Jubilee Party dispute tribunal is working round the clock to deliver its ruling on the disputed party primaries, even as it seeks to beat the midnight deadline.

Earlier, Starehe MP Maina Kamanda conceded defeat to musician Charles Njagua Kanyi alias Jaguar in the Jubilee primaries vowing to remain in the party and not vie as an independent candidate.

Now , the spotlight is on the tribunals ruling on the next course of action in Laikipia County after reports it had cancelled primaries results in Laikipia North, a stronghold of the incumbent Governor Joshua Irungu whose supporters thronged the party headquarters claiming the cancellation is akin to handing the nominations certificate to his rival Nderitu Muriithi.