This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
Published on October 6, 2019, Raila Odinga's personal involvement in the Kibra by-election is a desperate attempt to salvage his national image and prove his political stability.
As the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila has been a dominant force in Kibra Constituency for two decades. However, a loss in the upcoming by-election would be a significant blow to his reputation.
Raila has been actively campaigning for the ODM candidate, Imran Okoth, and has even launched a door-to-door campaign to ensure his victory. This level of personal involvement is a departure from his previous approach, where he did not get involved in the campaigns for the ODM party in Ugenya and Embakasi South.
According to University of Nairobi history lecturer Macharia Munene, Raila's followers are dwindling, and his strong magnetism is wearing out. The Kibra by-election is seen as an opportunity for Raila to prove his political stability and relevance.
With the Deputy President William Ruto pushing McDonald Mariga to vie for the Kibra seat in the Jubilee ticket, Raila is not taking chances. The ODM party has lost in three parliamentary contests since the last elections, reducing the number of its elected MPs from 62 to 59.
As Raila's political fortunes hang in the balance, the Kibra by-election has become a do-or-die affair for him.
