This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
On November 7, 2019, a heated confrontation between Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa marred the Kibra by-election. The incident occurred at the DC Grounds polling station, where supporters of Arati's candidate, Bernard Imran Okoth, attacked Barasa, snatching his signature cap and slapping him several times.
Barasa, who is allied to Deputy President William Ruto, later condemned Arati over the incident, calling for his arrest on Twitter. However, the two MPs have now put their past differences behind them.
According to sources, Arati and Barasa met on Parliament grounds on Tuesday, where they shared a meal together at the MP's lounge. This was the first time the two legislators ran into each other since the Kibra by-election.
Arati was one of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) legislators tasked with securing the seat for their candidate, while Barasa campaigned for Jubilee Party's McDonald Mariga. The two MPs were seen sharing hearty laughs and warm handshakes, indicating that they have put their past differences behind them.
Barasa's Twitter post condemning Arati over the incident has been forgotten, and the two MPs have moved on from the past confrontation.
