This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's handshake with Raila Odinga has survived the Kibra by-election, a test of the alliance's strength ahead of the 2022 polls.
Despite a spirited fight from Jubilee candidate MacDonald Mariga, who enjoyed firm support from Deputy President William Ruto, ODM's Bernard Otieno Okoth retained the seat.
President Kenyatta gave the by-election a wide berth, presenting a chance to his close confidantes to speak for him. He was only seen once with Mr Mariga when the aspirant went to State House, accompanied by Dr Ruto.
Mr Mariga's loss left an egg on the face of the DP, who vigorously campaigned for the former Harambee Stars captain, only to end up with less than half of Mr Okoth's votes.
Deputy President Ruto has appeared isolated since the 'handshake' and the Kibra by-election appeared to give him an opportunity to test his popularity in Nairobi politics and whether he could stand on his own against a formidable team of Building Bridges Initiative supporters.
However, the DP's attacks against Mr Odinga and the ODM party following the loss have only served to further isolate him.
"Tinga and his party's trail of political conmanship and deceit from Kanu, through Cord to Nasa and now heading to Jubilee, and litany of violence from '82 coup to Kibra cannot be hidden behind BBI. As a minimum, he must publicly renounce violence as a political tool and undertake to accept defeat," Dr Ruto tweeted yesterday.
Political commentator Philip Chebunet said the DP should take the loss positively and take full control of Jubilee Party.
"He should not look at it as a big loss. In fact, it has clearly emerged he is the only one interested in the survival of the party. The President appears not interested in the party anymore. He should prepare for a tough battle ahead," he said.
