Outgoing Kirinyaga woman representative, Wangui Ngirici, on Sunday, August 14, stated that she would challenge the outcome of the August 9 Kirinyaga gubernatorial election.
While addressing a church service at ACK St. Thomas Cathedral in Kerugoya, Ngirici alleged that she had gathered evidence against election malpractice in the concluded polls.
She, however, urged her supporters to remain calm as she was confident of justice prevailing in the county.
"I am delighted because God is revealing slowly by slowly what happened. I am not bitter with anyone, My only drive is that I will follow through and make sure the will of the people will not be subverted."
"We are going to file a petition since we have enough evidence that about 51,000 votes were rigged for them to defeat me with only a mere 3,000 votes," Ngirici stated.
While unveiling the next move, Ngirici further explained that she had initially resorted to keeping her cards close to her chest after the declaration of Anne Mumbi Waiguru as the governor-elect.
"Many have been wondering why I am yet to issue a statement or call a press briefing on my way forward, but what I can assure my supporters is that we can keep calm. We believe that there is democracy in Kenya so let's pray for our county," she stated.
Waiguru was declared the Kirinyaga governor-elect on Friday, August 12, after garnering 113,088 votes. She was closely followed by Ngirici (independent candidate) who garnered 105,677 votes. This indicated a difference of 7,411 votes in what was touted as a hotly contested seat.
On Wednesday, August 10, Waiguru had alleged rigging during the vote tallying process. She called for an immediate stoppage of the counting process until investigations into the matter were concluded.
"Rigging in broad daylight. Two ballot boxes with governors' ballots enter Kianyaga through the back door in broad daylight! They must be removed and counting must stop," Waiguru stated.
24 hours later, Ngirici also sounded an alarm alleging that a government van transported election materials into the tallying centre. She also demanded a retallying of the results on the basis of election malpractice.
After the allegations were made, Gichugu constituency Returning Officer Geoffery Gitobu allowed the re-tallying of governor votes, paving way for the conclusion of the exercise.
