This archive report was first published on 9 September 2019.
Published on September 9, 2019, allegations have surfaced that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)’s Director of Communications Philip Etale received Sh2 million from Bernard Otieno Okoth, popularly known as Imran, to ensure his unjustified victory during the Kibra by-election party primaries.
The controversy began when a WhatsApp screenshot purportedly capturing Etale's conversation with Imran went viral on social media, showing Etale reportedly assuring Imran of victory if he 'plays ball'.
Etale has strongly denied the claims, stating that he is ready to resign if the fake WhatsApp communication is found to be authentic.
He further clarified that he never engaged in such communication with Okoth and was not involved in the Kibra nominations.
Etale's statement comes as Imran, the brother to the late Kibra MP Ken Okoth, clinched the party ticket for the by-elections set for November 7, beating a field of 10 contestants.
Etale's woes have been backed by a Luhya lobby group named 'Obulala', whose chairman Richard Ekhalie has hit out at unnamed 'dark forces' within ODM for targeting Etale.
