Mt Kenya's tallest politician finally wins MP seat in Mbeere

The man said to be Mt Kenya’s tallest politician has been elected the MP for Mbeere North.

Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, a 43-year-old conservationist, trounced serving MP Muriuki Njagagua, his closest competitor and five other aspirants.

He stands two meters or about 6.5 feet. In comparison, President Uhuru Kenyatta is six feet.

His victory was announced by constituency returning officer Rebecca Damiano on Thursday in Mbeere.

Ruku vied for a Jubilee ticket for the Embu Senate in 2017, which he lost to Njeru Ndwiga. He then moved to vie for Mbeere North MP in the General Election that year and lost to Njagagua.

He is a close ally of DP leader and Speaker Justin Muturi.

“And my party leader, Justin B. Muturi, I cannot thank you enough for your leadership, mentorship and guidance that dates back years. Your wisdom and support have made this win possible,” Ruku said after his victory.

He ran on the Democratic Party.

Ruku is the founder of Carbon Manna Africa, an NGO advocating for democratising carbon offset to the household level in Kenya.

Between 2015 and 2017 he was a trustee of the Water Services Trust Fund and was before that the Mashav Coordinator at the Israeli Embassy in Nairobi.

Competitor Patrisio Njiru conceded defeat and congratulated the MP-elect.

“We have fought the good fight but now graciously concede to the choice of the Mbeere North people,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

“My congratulations and best wishes to the MP Elect. Let's all now focus on building and developing our communities with God's guidance.”

On Wednesday, outgoing Embu Deputy Speaker conceded an early defeat after a surprisingly poor showing in the MP's race.

Steve Munene, who is serving his second term as the Runyenjes Central Ward Member of the County Assembly, congratulated his opponent Erick Muchangi, who is seeking a second term on the UDA ticket.

"I take this opportunity on behalf of my team and supporters to congratulate Hon. Erick Muchangi for being re-elected to serve the great people of Runyenjes for the second term," Munene posted.