This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
On Saturday, 5 October, Kieleweke leaders, a faction within the Jubilee party, urged Kibra residents to vote for Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Bernard Otieno Okoth, also known as Imran Okoth, in the upcoming Kibra by-election on 7 November. They claimed that Imran has the backing of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The Kieleweke team, led by Jubilee nominated Member of Parliament Maina Kamanda, Igembe North MP Maoka Maore, former Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi, and former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru, alleged that Jubilee's candidate, McDonald Mariga, is being sponsored by individuals opposed to the 'Handshake' between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking at a church service in Kibra Parish, Kamanda stated that as a nominated Member of Parliament, he is directly answerable to the Jubilee Party leader, the President, and cannot defy his party leader. He emphasized that Imran is the candidate supported by everyone behind the handshake between President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
On the other hand, Mariga, accompanied by several Jubilee MPs, took his campaign to Laini Saba ward in Kibra. He promised to focus on empowering women and the youth economically, increasing electricity supply, and providing bursaries to those in need if elected.
Mariga appealed to the Kibra constituents to elect him on 7 November, assuring them that he would start working immediately.
Former Dagoreti South MP John Kiarie also expressed confidence in Mariga's chances, citing the large crowd that attended his rally as an indication that Mariga would easily win the election.
