Starehe Member of Parliament Charles Njagua popularly known as Jaguar has addressed claims that he has stepped down from the parliamentary race in favour of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Simon Mbugua.
In a statement to the press on Wednesday, April 5, Jaguar affirmed that he will be defending his seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket in the August 9, 2022, General Election.
He further dismissed reports that he had stepped down for Mbugua after allegedly holding discussions with Kenya Kwanza's presidential flag-bearer and Deputy President, William Ruto.
"As the sitting M.P of Starehe Constituency I would like to inform my constituents that I have not stepped down for any aspirant and I have not held any discussions with the Deputy President in regards to this matter," he countered the claims.
Jaguar added that his decision to defend his seat relied on the people of Starehe constituency and that he was not open to any negotiations.
"I was elected by the people of Starehe and I have the mandate to represent them. I will not be party to any negotiations. My opponent agreed to negotiations in his former place Starehe mambo ni tofauti," the Starehe legislator stated.
His comments come after word went round that he had been prevailed upon to shelve his ambitions by DP Ruto after having lengthy talks, sparking a debate on the UDA nomination process.
The reports which have since been established to be nothing but hot air raised questions on whether the exercise slated for Thursday, April 14 would be free and fair.
Mbugua, who has been serving in the EALA since December 2017 is looking to make a comeback to active politics in the August polls after eight years.
He was elected as the MP for Kamukunji in the December 2007 poll, running on a Party of National Unity (PNU) ticket. However, his election was challenged by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Ibrahim Ahmed.
The former MP lost his seat after Lady Justice Mary Ang'awa annulled his win on January 27, 2011. Justice Ang'awa ruled that the election was compromised, noting that the returning officer made an error, announcing incomplete results.
Kenyans.co.ke tried to reach out to Simon Mbugua for a comment on the matter but at the time of publication, he had not responded.
