Kirinyaga senator elect Charles Reubenson Kibiru PHOTO: Mose Sammy, Standard

Businessman Charles Kibiru became the first independent candidate to be elected senator in Kirinyaga.

Most of the county adopted the 'six-piece' voting pattern, electing Jubilee Party candidates for most of the seats. 

However, Mr Kibiru beat the odds and was declared the winner for the Senate seat. Voters chose Kibiru over Jubilee candidate and incumbent, Daniel Karaba.

Kibiru attributed his win to his four-pillar manifesto. "My deep understanding of the needs of Wanjiku made voters decide that I was the best candidate for the seat," he said recently, adding that he would unite all the area leaders to develop the county.