This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
Moses Kuria Defies Uhuru Kenyatta, Says Mariga Not Suitable for Kibra ¶
September 19, 2019, marked a significant day in the Kibra by-election as Moses Kuria, a Jubilee Party member, defied President Uhuru Kenyatta's endorsement of McDonald Mariga for the seat.
According to Kuria, he had a candidate of his own in the ODM party and therefore could not support Mariga. Kuria's statement was made in a Facebook post where he said, "I will not support Mariga because I had a candidate of my own in the ODM party. The people of Kibra, however, chose a different candidate, and I wish all candidates well."
On the same day, Maina Kamanda, another Jubilee Party member, also defied the party's stance and endorsed Imran Okoth, the ODM candidate, saying, "I am here to support Okoth in the Kibra by-election and I want you to know that I am here personally and I will not represent anyone else."
Earlier, on September 18, President Uhuru Kenyatta had assured Mariga of his full support in the by-election, saying, "I will support Mariga fully in the Kibra by-election."
Despite the party's stance, some Jubilee Party members are now taking a personal stance on the by-election, with some supporting Mariga and others endorsing Okoth.
