Mark Mwenje, the Embakasi West Jubilee candidate for MP, pulled off a major upset on Wednesday by defeating incumbent George Theuri.
Ecstatic supporters of the MP-elect jammed streets in celebrations after the IEBC returning officers tally announced a lead that his opponents could ostensibly not beat.
The celebrations went on even as electoral agency officials worked the numbers for a final tally.
Mwenje was second-time lucky, having come short in 2017 by failing to land his party's ticket because he did not win the nominations.
A graduate of the prestigious London School of Law, he was confident heading into election day.
“I've done my homework thoroughly and I expect a huge win,” he said. on elections eve.
Mwenje said he was thrilled and yet humbled when Theuri, his main rival, called to congratulate him.
“I wish to publicly acknowledge and thank George Theuri for taking the time to call me this morning to wish me well and to congratulate me as I take on the esteemed leadership of Embakasi West,” he said.
Theuri conceded defeat on social media as soon as it became evident that Mwenje's lead was unassailable.
“I want to take this early opportunity to sincerely thank the entire Embakasi West for allowing me to serve you for the past 10 years,” Theuri said in a message.
“As we begin a new chapter allow me to wish my worthy competitor and the incoming MP Mark Mureithi Mwenje best of luck as he embarks on a new era as the MP-elect.”
Theuri urged Embakasi West constituents to cooperate with his successor.
“Politics is not enmity, but competition on better ideas and service to our people,” he said.
“In every competition, there must be a winner and a loser. That's why I concede defeat and hand over the button to my brother to serve for the next five years.”
Theuri served the constituency for 10 consecutive years since his election in 2013 on The National Alliance ticket.
Meanwhile, UDA's Mark Mugambi Macharia retained his seat as Umoja 1 MCA while Shadrack Machange of ODM clinched the Umoja 2 seat.
“Thank you Umoja 2 for electing me. I won in all our four polling stations. Let's unite to make our ward different,” Machange said.
Martin Waithaka Warobi is the new Mowlem MCA after dethroning Jubilee's Benson Mwangi.
Seasoned politician Robert Mbatia rode back to the office after edging his main rival Steve Mwangi Irungu of UDA.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
