This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
On Sunday, October 6, 2019, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino rallied his supporters at the Voice of Salvation and Healing church in Sarang'ombe, Kibra, Kenya, amidst tensions ahead of the November 7 by-election.
According to reports, Owino had been meeting with ODM leaders, including Nairobi County Chairman George Aladwa, to campaign for Imran Okoth, the ODM candidate in the by-election.
During the rally, Owino claimed that the by-election was a 'bedroom' affair for Raila Odinga, the ODM leader, and that he still had the power to influence the outcome. He also accused William Ruto, the Deputy President, of using public funds to campaign for Mariga.
Mariga, the Jubilee Party candidate, has been criticized for lacking experience in the area and for not being a resident of Kibra. Owino also accused Mariga of not being able to provide solutions to the area's problems.
Mariga, however, has been rallying his supporters in the area, including at Laini Saba, where he has been trying to win over voters.
The by-election was triggered by the death of former MP Ken Okoth, who passed away due to cancer.
