United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA) candidate Francis Muraya has beaten his rival from the Jubilee party Peter Thinji in the hotly contested Rurii Ward by-election held on Tuesday.
In the mini poll results released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Mr Muraya garnered 4,303 votes beating his close contestant Mr Thinji of jubilee who garnered 3,143 votes.
Mr Muraya was declared the winner by the IEBC Returning Officer Agnes Wanjiku.
Isaac Ndegwa of Maendeleo Chap Chap came third with 51 votes, Gerald Njoroge (Independent) garnered 21votes followed by Susan Wangechi of The New Democrats who garnered 17 votes while Peter Gathiaka garnered 11votes.
Ms Wanjiku said that 52 per cent of the total registered voters turned up for the exercise. The Ward has 14,467 registered voters. 7,546 votes were cast. Mr Muraya in his acceptance speech promised to unite the people of Rurii.
“My first assignment will be uniting the people of Rurii and completing the work which was left by my predecessor,” said Mr Muraya.
“The people of Rurii have spoken and they have decided that it is Muraya who they want to be their MCA. We are urging the County government of Nyandarua to support him in delivering to the people of Rurii,” said Nyandarua Women Rep Faith Gitau.
She was flanked by Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara and UDA secretary General Veronica Maina.
The seat fell vacant following the death of John Mburu wa Maria who succumbed to cancer in January this year.
By Anthony Mwangi
