Jubilee party’s nominated MP Maina Kamanda has opposed President Uhuru Kenyatta-led party’s candidate, McDonald Mariga in the forthcoming Kibra by election.
Mr Kamanda on Thursday declared his support for Raila Odinga-led ODM party candidate Bernard Imran Okoth.
According to Kamanda, the Handshake between president Kenyatta and Raila brought people harmony and peace.
He says despite Jubilee having a candidate, he will support Imran as a person and not his party.
Kamanda says he considers Imran as a Jubilee candidate and as the handshake candidate. He is set to campaign for ODM’s Imran Okoth in the November 7 Kibra by-election.
On Wednesday, President Kenyatta endorsed Mariga, assuring him of his support in the upcoming mini polls.
Mariga’s endorsement at State House jointly by Uhuru and Dr Ruto, who are Jubilee Party leader and deputy party leader respectively, ensures the Jubilee candidate now heads into the campaign projecting the ruling party is solidly behind his candidature.
Uhuru’s move now complicates campaigns in the constituency, as Jubilee and ODM will have to face off in a major battle that will test the March 9, 2018 truce between the two leaders that saw the ruling party skip subsequent by-elections to avoid a confrontation with their newfound partners.
