Murang’a County gubernatorial candidate Dr. Irungu Kang’ata has dropped his 53-year old running mate, Winfred Mwangi, for 29-year-old Stephen Mburu Munania in a last-minute move to meet the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) clearance deadline.
This drastic move comes after Kang’ata was on Sunday, June 5 denied clearance by the IEBC because Dr. Mwangi, a professor at the University of Nairobi, had not resigned by the February 9 deadline.
Moreover, on Monday, June 6 the duo announced that the resignation issue had been sorted out and they had finally been cleared to run under the UDA party. However, on Monday late evening, Kang’ata took to Facebook and announced a new running mate.
“Taking into account this might have been a trap for prolonged litigation that detracts us from campaigning, we mutually agreed to replace DG,” UDA Muranga DG designate now is Stephen Mburu Munania.” Kang’ata’s statement read.
Stephen Mburu Munania holds a degree in International Diplomacy and has formerly worked as an Assistant County Commissioner Cadet in Kenol. In his political career, he lost in Kariara ward UDA primaries to Jeremy Gichobe Mbatia.
According to Kanga’ta, UDA chose Munania to represent the marginalized youth and bring public administration experience into county management. He further said that, despite replacing his first running mate, Dr. Mwangi will still be part and parcel of the UDA Muranga chapter.
“She will continue to offer her services as an expert in land matters. She will head our UDA campaigns,” “We forgive those that breached her privacy. We hope to transit with her into county government leadership come August 2022.” the statement read.