This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
On August 26, 2019, Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju announced that the party would be fielding a candidate in the Kibra by-election, set to take place on November 7, 2019.
According to Mr. Tuju, the party's analysis and consultations confirmed that Jubilee Party was competitive enough in the forthcoming political contest. He noted that the neighbouring Lang'ata Constituency was won by a Jubilee Party candidate, contrary to conventional political analysis.
Mr. Tuju's statement was made in response to a leaked list of Jubilee candidates rumoured to be vying for the Kibra Constituency. Among those listed was McDonald Mariga, a close friend of Deputy President William Ruto. It is alleged that Ruto could be behind Mariga's name appearing on the list.
Mariga would face off against the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate, led by Raila Odinga, if he sails through the nomination stage. Other candidates vying for the ruling party's nomination slot include Said Ibrahim, Peter Kinyanjui, and Doreen Wasike, the only female contestant.
The Jubilee Party was quick to disassociate itself from the leaked list, claiming that any official communication regarding the Kibra Constituency by-election would be done through the party's official organ.
This letter that is making rounds within social media outlets is FAKE. Please note that any communication regarding the Kibra Constituency by-election will be done through the official Party organ. pic.twitter.com/EJGqomloDO — JUBILEE PARTY (@JubileePartyK) August 26, 2019
