This archive report was first published on 23 September 2019.
On September 23, 2019, McDonald Mariga, a former Kenyan international midfielder, kicked off his campaign in Kibra, Nairobi, with a promise to improve the lives of the constituency's residents if elected the next Member of Parliament.
Mariga, who was endorsed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto just a week prior, held prayers in a local church and toured the area, meeting with residents and listening to their concerns.
According to Mariga, his key promises include ensuring that children attend school, growing businesses, and increasing profits for entrepreneurs from Sh2,000 to Sh10,000 per day. He also vowed to create new jobs, but failed to provide a clear plan on how he intends to achieve these goals.
Mariga is vying for the Kibra seat, which became vacant following the death of the late Ken Okoth. He faces stiff competition from 25 other candidates, including ODM's Imran Okoth, ANC's Eluid Owalo, and Ford-Kenya's Khamisi Butichi. The by-election is set for November 7, 2019.
