Kiraitu eats humble pie after "On 10th of August, we are inviting you for our celebration" pre-election boast

On June 6 this year, just about two months before the General Election, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi bragged that the gubernatorial seat was his to lose. 

"I have been in many campaigns for many years and this looks a not-too-difficult campaign," he said while receiving the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission clearance certificate in Meru. "It is one of my easier campaigns." 

He added: "We are the winning side. This is a two horse-race between Kiraitu and Ntochiu (Titus, his deputy) on one side, and all the rest on the other side. On 10th of August, we are inviting you for our celebration." 

Harsh reality 

Now, the harsh reality has dawned. 

Kiraitu has been dethroned by independent candidate Kawira Mwangaza who has won the seat after garnering 206,129 votes. United Democratic Alliance's Mithika Linturi was second with 182,529 votes while Murungi was third with 107, 862 votes. 

It is a humiliating defeat for Kiraitu, who sought another term -and his last in politics- on a Devolution Empowerment Party [Mbus] ticket.  

History of wins

Kiraitu had won seven consecutive elections: For Member of Parliamentary, Governor and Senator positions, running on different political parties. 

Mwangaza, the Governor-elect is the incumbent Woman Representative and joins the list of women politicians who've ascended to position of County Chief Executives in the general election. 

Others are Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Cecile Mbarire (Embu) and Kwale's Fatuma Achani.