The Magarini by-election has taken a new twist after the Roots Party of Kenya denied reports of endorsing Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Stanley Kenga.
In a firm statement on Tuesday, November 24, the party, through leader George Wajakoyah, dismissed reports allegedly published by Standard Digital claiming the Roots Party had thrown its weight behind a rival candidate.
The party clarified that it had officially sponsored its own candidate, Karisa Chadi, who will be contesting the Magarini parliamentary seat under a Roots Party ticket.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the Roots Party of Kenya has not endorsed the DCP candidate or any other candidate as alleged. The Party has duly sponsored its own candidate, Karisa Chadi, who is formally representing the Roots Party in the Magarini by-election," the statement read.
The Roots Party further accused the publication of circulating factually inaccurate and misleading information, adding that the report by the publication confused voters and distorted the political landscape in the constituency.
Since the publication allegedly caused reputational damage, Roots Party issued a formal demand letter demanding the immediate removal of the contested stories. Additionally, the party demanded a public apology and correction acknowledging the accurate position.
“We reassure our members, supporters, and the general public that the Roots Party remains committed to honesty, clarity, and the principles of democratic participation,” the statement went on.
The report under scrutiny appeared to suggest Wajakoyah had thrown his weight behind Kenga, since the former Presidential candidate openly admitted he would accept whoever the Magarini locals chose in the upcoming polls, even if it meant the Roots party candidate losing.
One of the things which makes the Magarini contest interesting is the fact that a staggering nine candidates will be contesting for the parliamentary seat.
However, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's DCP and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) appear to have the stronger candidates, with ODM fielding Harrison Kombe.
DCP's Kenga has previously publicly stated that he wanted to end ODM's dominance in the coastal region and usher in a new development-based era.
“Those who are telling us to let Kombe finish his term should stop; he has been there for three years without any development,” Kenga said. “Kingi and Mung’aro want Kombe to continue because they will lose their jobs if a broad-based candidate does not win. They have no policies for the people — only personal interests.”
ODM, meanwhile, has threatened to sue Gachagua over remarks in which he alleged that the party, together with the electoral commission, had planned to rig the Magarini by-election.
