This archive report was first published on 25 August 2019.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has made it clear that the party will not hand anyone a direct nomination in the Kibra Constituency by-election, which is scheduled for November 7th.
Speaking at a rally in Kibra on Sunday, Odinga revealed that at least 26 aspirants will battle it out for the party ticket in the August 31st party primaries.
Among those expected to seek the ODM ticket in the race include Benson Musungu, Imran Okoth, Reggae DJ Kriss Darlin, Sigar Agumba, Peter Orero, and Ochieng Jera.
Former Embakasi South MP Irshad Sumra, who was earlier reported to have also been seeking the party ticket, however, said he is not in the race, adding that he only came to support Kibra and show his love for the area.
Efforts to replace the late Kibra MP Ken Okoth intensified as ODM candidates who expressed interest in the seat took the podium at the famous Kamukunji grounds in the city's Kibra slums to market their candidature.
They each tabled their manifestos awaiting vetting by the party.
Notably, Roselyne Odinga, who was also in attendance, opted out of the hotly contested seat.
On a related note, Odinga took the chance to popularize the building bridges initiative, saying it remains the best bet to provide a clear road map for the country.
The Kibra MP seat fell vacant after MP Ken Okoth succumbed to cancer on July 26, 2019.
