Nakuru County governor Kinuthia Mbugua who was called upon by President Uhuru Kenyatta to step down as an independent candidate in gubernatorial race has withdrawn from vying for the seat.

The incumbent governor was floored by Lee Kinyanjui in Jubilee primaries decided to give it a try on an independent ticket but the President pleaded him to shelve his aspirants and back Kinyanjui in August elections.

Mr. Mbugua informed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of the decision through a letter dated June 3.

He remained tight lipped over the issue since news was broken by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy President William Ruto during their three day visit to the county two weeks ago.

Mr. Mbugua will now support Jubilee candidate and former NTSA chairman Lee Kinyanjui.