Incumbent Kiambu Governor James Nyoro has received a shot in the arm after Thika Town Member of Parliament Patrick Wainaina, popularly known as Jungle the ditched United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over nomination chaos.
Nyoro who is seeking to defend his title on the Jubilee Party ticket will now face it off with four candidates allied to Kenya Kwanza Coalition.
The four are the current Kiambu Senator Kimani wa Wamatangi who clinched the UDA nomination ticket, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Tujibebe Party leader William Kabogo and Jungle who will vie as an independent candidate. Former Governor Ferdinand Waititu also lost in the primaries which were held on Thursday, April 14 across the country.
Jungle's decision to run as an independent candidate is likely to split Kenya Kwanza votes in Kiambu County, giving Nyoro who is aligned to Azimio la Umoja led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga an edge in the August 9 General Election.
Jungle, while revealing his decision to ditch UDA and run as an independent candidate, explained the nomination exercise was marred with irregularities and that the winner was already pre-determined by the Deputy President William Ruto-led party.
"There was voter bribery which was very widespread; election officials elected were instructed by the party to favour one side," Jungle stated.
He also revealed that his famous name Jungle was omitted from the voting list at the last minute, giving his competitors an edge in the primaries.
"My name ‘Jungle’ is official and recognized in my ID. When I went to register myself at the party, my name was included as Patrick Wainaina Jungle. Now in the ballot papers, they only included only two names, Jungle was not included," Jungle added.
The vocal legislator further castigated UDA for using an unclear image on the ballot paper making it difficult for the electorates to identify him.
"The photo they used did not clearly depict my facial structures. I believe that was a well-planned scheme to make voters not to recognise me," the lawmaker added.