This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's endorsement of McDonald Mariga as the Jubilee Party's candidate in the Kibra by-election has sparked a heated debate in the political circles. Ngunjiri Wambugu, a member of parliament from Nyeri, has threatened to sue Mariga if the President does not campaign in Kibra.
According to Wambugu, Mariga is a project of Deputy President William Ruto and it will be difficult for President Uhuru to deal with the campaign.
Wambugu has also warned those criticizing Maina Kamanda, the Jubilee Party's candidate in the Kibra by-election, for following the President's orders and supporting Imran Okoth, the ODM candidate.
"I see Tangatanga people criticizing Maina Kamanda for following the President's orders and supporting Imran Okoth instead of Mariga," Wambugu said.
Wambugu has also stated that he will not campaign for Mariga unless President Uhuru himself campaigns in Kibra.
"I will campaign for Mariga only if Uhuru himself comes to Kibra," Wambugu said.
Wambugu's statement has sparked a heated debate in the political circles, with some politicians defending his stance and others criticizing him for being too loyal to the President.
