This archive report was first published on 7 November 2019.
Kibra By-Election: Jubilee Candidate McDonald Mariga Concedes Defeat ¶
Published on November 7, 2019
As counting of votes for Kibra by-election continues, Jubilee candidate McDonald Mariga has already conceded defeat as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party aspirant Imran Okoth takes early lead.
Mariga, who was among the front runners in the election, congratulated Okoth on his win, promising to work together after the elections.
According to official results released by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Mariga conceded defeat as ODM was leading with 3,016 votes followed closely by the Jubilee candidate who had 1,114 votes tallied from 24 polling stations.
There are 183 polling stations in Kibra constituency.
Mariga was among 23 other candidates who participated in the hotly contested seat which was considered as test run for the 2022 General Election.
The exercise was marred with violence and low voter turnout.
State House Digital Director Dennis Itumbi, who is also a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto, said Mariga's votes were an indication that Jubilee had managed to increase its support in Kibra as compared to 2017 General Election.
Okoth welcomed Mariga's message of congratulation, promising to work together.
Mariga's congratulatory call to Okoth was a surprise to many, as he was still in the running for the seat.
Okoth said he was humbled by Mariga's congratulatory call and promised to work with him and any other interested party.
Mariga's concession of defeat is a significant development in the Kibra by-election, which was considered a test run for the 2022 General Election.
