Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has confirmed the withdrawal of People's Empowerment Party (PEP) candidate Raymond Kuria from the upcoming Kiambaa by-elections.
In a statement on Monday, May 24, Kuria stated that the decision had been reached out after talks with Deputy President William Ruto.
He added that he would now support the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) which has fronted John Njuguna Wanjiku as its candidate for the Kiambaa parliamentary by-election.
"Yesterday I held extensive discussions with my boss and friend H.E Dr William Ruto on this matter. For the unity of the Hustler Nation, PEP will NOT be fielding a candidate for the Kiambaa by election," the MP announced.
The two parties were expected to clash after a section of Ruto allies indicated that they would only recognise the UDA candidate as the official representative of the so-called hustler candidate.
The Gatundu South MP, however, acknowledged the bad blood between him and Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa, blaming them for the decision to withdraw.
"PEP's message of hope. and renewal has been endorsed by the voters of Gaturi Ward in Muranga on 15th December 2020 and Juja constituency on 18th May 2021. We wanted to present this message for approval by the people of Kiambaa Constituency on the 15th of July. However, this did not go down very well with my colleagues particularly Rigathi Gachagua and Kimani Ichungwa.
"I take this opportunity to offer my profuse apologies to Hon Raymond Kuria, the people of Kiambaa and all PEP members who undoubtedly will be disappointed with this decision," Kuria added.
The PEP boss stated that the party offers a platform for political participation and mentorship in leadership for a new crop of leaders who will drive the country forward.
"The good news is we will now focus on a nationwide tour to meet candidates who will be vying for various seats in next year's General Elections on PEP ticket," the legislator affirmed.
PEP candidate George Koimburi had a landslide win in the Juja by-elections that happened on May 18.
The win was seen as a major boost for Kuria as he seeks to become Ruto's runningmate in the 2022 presidential election.
The contest had been primed to appear as a competition between Kuria and the Jubilee Party headed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
