This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
On September 16, 2019, Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata made a surprise move by announcing his support for ODM's Imran Okoth in the Kibra by-election.
Speaking on a political talk show on Citizen TV, Kang'ata explained that his decision was motivated by a sentimental reason, as he was friends with the late Ken Okoth.
"(The late) Ken Okoth was my friend. That's why I will be supporting his brother (to win the by-elections) because he has been working in Kibra for long and is the best-placed person to continue the legacy. It's a bit of a sentimental decision," Kang'ata said.
However, Kang'ata did not clarify the kind of 'support' he will offer to the late Okoth's sibling.
At the same time, Kang'ata stated that he will not support Deputy President William Ruto's bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022 unless the Head of State asks him to do so.
"In 2022, we will be waiting for President Uhuru Kenyatta to show us the direction (on whom to support). That's what we will do. Not now, not Tanga Tanga, not Kieleweke," he said.
Senator Kang'ata's move is the latest in a series of Jubilee politicians who have publicly denounced the party's candidate in the Kibra by-election, McDonald Mariga.
