This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto has come out in defense of Jubilee's decision to field a candidate in the Kibra by-election, despite criticism from some quarters.
Speaking on Twitter on September 20, 2019, Ruto said the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga does not mean the end of political competition.
"Handisheki haikuwa ije na kuua vyama ama mashindano ya kidemokrasia. Wale wanaoteta kuhusu kiongozi wa Jubilee kumpigia debe mgombea wetu wanyamaze," Ruto said.
The move by President Uhuru Kenyatta to endorse Jubilee's candidate in the Kibra by-election on September 18, 2019, has sparked mixed reactions within Jubilee and ODM.
Some Jubilee leaders, including Babu Owino, have criticized the move, saying it undermines the party's chances in the election.
"Baba lazima awe mwangalifu na hii handisheki. Hatujapata matunda yoyote na hatuwezi kupumbazwa mara mbili. Uhuru lazima awe mkweli na hii handisheki," Owino said.
However, some other leaders, including Millie Odhiambo, have defended the move, saying it is a legitimate exercise of democracy.
"Babu Owino na mimi tuko katika kiwango tofauti na pia tajriba tofauti. Yeye akiona handisheki, anafikiria Jubilee haifai kuwa na mgombea. Lakini sifikirii hivyo, lakini atajifunza kuwa mwafaka huo haumaanishi kuwa wapinzani wetu hawatashindana na sisi," Odhiambo said.
