Former Laikipia MP Nderitu Muriithi and Isiolo Senator Dr. Mohammed Kuti are Kenya’s two independent candidates who beat odds to clinch the governorship, cites Daily Nation.
Dr. Kuti served twice as Isiolo North MP before he was elected as the county’s Senator in 2013.
The 53-year old is a political idol in Isiolo given his political track record yet he hails from a minority clan, Sakuye clan.
He is a former political ally of incumbent Governor Doyo.
In Laikipia, Muriithi who is retired President Mwai Kibaki’s cousin rose form the ashes like a phoenix to beat Jubilee’s Joshua Irungu with 100, 109 votes against 98, 233 votes.
Irungu had been enjoying support from Devolution CS Mwangi Kiunjuri who was to vie for the seat but President Uhuru Kenyatta urged him to shelve his bid.
Uhuru told Kiunjuri that he needed him in government during his second term.
Muriithi was trounced in Jubilee primaries by Irungu. He then decided to vie as an independent candidate.