Former Bahati MP Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri withdrew a case in which he was challenging Irene Mrembo Njoki’s win in the August 9 elections.
The outspoken former legislator, who was also President William Ruto’s main point man in Nakuru County, told the court that he had decided to follow advice from his constituents.
"Having served for 10 years, it is time to let go and pursue other goals as well as have a peaceful time in my golden years. I have to let the development of Bahati constituency continue without interruption," Ngunjiri stated.
The former lawmaker insisted that his decision was also motivated by his zeal to see development within the constituency by allowing the elected MP to carry out her legislative mandate without interruption.
Ms Njoki’s lawyer and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which was also enjoined in the case, agreed with Ngunjiri's decision but protested the high costs incurred and demanded compensation.
"My client incurred costs in filing the replies and five affidavits. She also spent money for transport, internet and attendances by lawyers," the lawyer insisted.
Ngunjiri vied on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket while Ms Njoki ran on a Jubilee Party ticket during the 2022 elections.
Kimani garnered 26,809 votes against Njoki’s 34,308 votes, losing in the area largely touted as a ‘ýellow zone’ supporting Ruto's party.
This made Njoki the second and only other Jubilee Member of Parliament to win in constituencies within Nakuru County. The other winner was Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama.
Reports claim that Kimani Ngunjiri could be handed a position within the government after withdrawing the case following President Ruto’s trend to reward loyalists who lost during the elections.
The two-term MP was among the two unlucky incumbents within the county from the elections with nine out of eleven MPs retaining their seats across the 11 constituencies of Nakuru.
The county also saw the largest number of women elected into office led by Governor Susan Kihika, Woman Representative Liza Chelule, Senator Tabitha Keroche Karanja, MPs Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Martha Wangari (Gilgil), and Charity Gathambi (Njoro).
David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), Kuria Kimani (Molo) and Samuel Gachobe (Subukia) were the only male MPs elected.
