This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
On October 6, 2019, leaders affiliated to the Kieleweke faction in Jubilee party asked Kibra constituents to elect Orange Democratic Movement's Bernard Imran Okoth in the November 7 by-election, claiming that he has the backing of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Led by MPs Maina Kamanda (nominated) and Maoka Maore (Igembe North), former Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi and former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru, they said Jubilee's McDonald Mariga is sponsored by people opposed to the political pact between the President and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking at a church service at PCEA Kibera Parish, Nairobi, Mr Kamanda said, 'I'm a nominated Member of Parliament and directly answerable to the Jubilee Party leader, who is President Kenyatta. I cannot defy my party leader. Imran is the candidate supported by everyone behind the handshake between President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga.'
Meanwhile, Jubilee's McDonald Mariga said his focus, if elected, would be on empowering women and the youth economically, increasing electricity supply and giving bursaries to the needy.
Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi appealed to the government to investigate claims that there were people buying identity cards in Kibra, warning that if not dealt with, it would disenfranchise many voters.
