This archive report was first published on 25 August 2019.
On August 25, 2019, Right Hon. Raila Odinga made a surprise announcement at Kamkunji Grounds during the unveiling of party aspirants for the Kibra mini poll.
Despite the wishes of the late Kibra Member of Parliament Ken Okoth's family, Raila ruled out a direct nomination for the ODM candidate in the election scheduled for November 7, 2019.
Family members, including Elvis Oluoch, Ken's maternal nephew, had sent emissaries to Raila seeking his endorsement for Imran Okoth, Ken's brother and personal assistant.
Elvis had expressed the family's wish for Raila to back Imran, citing that he had served under Ken and had a clear vision of what his brother had in mind for the people of Kibra.
However, Raila's announcement was met with public humiliation for Imran, who was heckled by residents of Kibra while addressing them.
Leaders, including Nairobi Women Rep, had also requested that the party see to it that Imran was the party's flagbearer in the coming by-elections.
