Laikipia Governor race: Ndiritu Muriithi concedes defeat to Joshua Irungu, promises 'smooth handover'

Outgoing Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi has conceded defeat after losing his re-election bid to Joshua Irungu, who now makes a comeback to the county’s top seat which he held between 2013 and 2017.

In a statement released on Saturday, Muriithi sent a congratulatory message to Irungu of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party who garnered 113, 783 votes.

“I have this afternoon called and conveyed my warm congratulatory message to Joshua Irungu on his declaration as the Governor-Elect of our great county of Laikipia,” read the statement by Muriithi.

He further appreciated all the county’s incoming new leaders in different positions promising to ensure a smooth handover to the new Governor-elect.

“I have further assured him of a smooth handover to his incoming team. I take this opportunity to congratulate all the leaders elected at different levels in the General Election of Tuesday, 09/08/22,” he said.

“Noting that a General Election is a critical democratic exercise through which citizens bestow on leaders the mandate and power to lead them, I wish this new leadership success in their endeavour to serve the citizens of our great county in their respective capacities.”

Murithi was the joint candidate of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party and managed to scoop 48,812 votes, placing him in second place.

Other leaders in the Laikipia gubernatorial contest included; businessmen Mburu Kamau (independent), Gitonga Kabugi (Narc Kenya) and John Wakaba (independent). 

Irungu, who was the county’s first Governor, will now be ascending to power for the second time after he was floored by Muriithi in the 2017 General Elections.