Uhuru’s hand as Simon Mbugua ‘surrenders’ Kamukunji ticket to Yusuf Hassan
Former Kamukunji MP Simon Mbugua on Thursday surrendered his Jubilee Party ticket to MP Yusuf Hassan, saying that the decision came after consultation with the party leadership.
Mr Mbugua, who had been announced winner, became the first winner of the primaries to relinquish his win.
Others like Starehe MP Maina Kamanda had their wins nullified by the parties disputes tribunal.
On Thursday, Mr Mbugua, in a Press conference personally managed by President Uhuru Kenyatta’s personal Secretary Jomo Gecaga, said he had made the decision “for the bigger picture”.
BROTHERLY COMMUNITY
“…Yusuf comes from the brotherly community of Somalis who have stood with Jubilee. After detailed consultations, I am persuaded that the interests of our country and our city are more important than the win of an individual,” Mr Mbugua said.
The presence of Mr Gecaga at the press conference where he quickly whisked away Mr Mbugua after reading a prepared statement betrayed the undertones of President Kenyatta’s influence in the decision.
Mr Mbugua said that he had also waived his right to challenge the results even at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.
“I know my supporters will be very disappointed with this decision. I want to tell them to look at the bigger picture,” Mr Mbugua said.
He was flanked by Jubilee Party Nairobi Governor nominee Senator Mike Sonko and Mathare MP Steve Kariuki.
