Murang'a gubernatorial aspirant Irungu Kang'ata is dotting a new running mate on his arm, after it emerged that his bid would be disqualified if he proceeded with his previous running mate who was deemed ineligible over issues arising from her resignation to pursue politics.

Kang'ata was forced to drop his initial deputy Winnie Mwangi  and pick 29-year-old Stephen Mburu Munania after it was clear that he was up for disqualification by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) if he failed to prove that Mwangi resigned from her government job on time.

He was competing against time to save his quest for the Murang'a gubernatorial seat, and on Tuesday, June 7 which was his deadline issued by the commission to have his affairs in order, he arrived before the county returning officer with Munania's name as his new running mate.

The senator had initially been cleared but reports emerged that his running mate had not left her job on the date instructed by Public Service Commission, which raised eyebrows on Kang'ata's candidature. 

He then began claiming that his political rivals were behind the scheme to nudge him out of the race, and was asked to issue the proof by close of business on Tuesday.

Instead Kang'ata appeared with a new running mate, which was puzzling to the commission as lawyer Gachii Mwanza had failed to mention that his client had picked another running mate after the clearance hitch.

Kang'ata then took to his social media account to shed light on  his new decision, unveiling Munania as his new running mate.

“The IEBC shared a complaint drafted by a lawyer alleging that our deputy governor failed to resign from the University of Nairobi in due time.”

“The allegations were incorrect and based on a misunderstanding of employment law. Our view was that resignation takes effect from the date of filing the resignation letter. To aspirants, it takes effect from the date of salary stoppage,” the statement read.

Upon the advice of his legal team, Kang'ata resolved to replace Mwangi as pursuing legal action to counter the complaint on her eligibility would prove long and tedious, taking time away from his campaign schedule.

He however, maintained that she was still an intricate part of his team and that her taking a step back should not be misinterpreted as coercion as she willingly agreed to the terms.

“Winnie Mwangi remains part and parcel of the team. She will continue to offer her services as an expert in land matters,” Kang’ata said.