Jubilee candidate in the Kibra by-election McDonald Mariga, on Sunday, September 22, hit out at ODM leader Raila Odinga during his campaigns in the constituency.
Speaking during a service at Lindi Central PAG church service, Mariga castigated the former premier's development record arguing that the area had been in the opposition for too long.
The former Harambee Stars player explained that due to their failed political allegiances, Kibra hadn't gained from development projects initiated by the government.
“Kibra has been in the opposition for too long. It is time for people of Kibra to try the government to see the development that will come to them.
“I have not said I am the best. It is for the people of Kibra to choose. We are talking to them. We want them to be in government to see the changes,” Mariga stated, seemingly taking a leaf from DP Ruto's rulebook.
Raila Odinga has served as MP for Lang'ata for more than 20 years after taking the reigns since the early 1990s. Ken Okoth took over in 2013.
He further stated that he had a progressive manifesto that was set to transform the lives of residents emphasizing on continuing with Okoth's legacy on education and youth and women empowerment.
“We have a good manifesto. We have everything and we are talking to people. Education must continue the way the late Okoth was doing. Sports must also continue. We will put in place many things,” he was quoted by The Star.
Mariga toured the constituency conducting door to door campaigns to drum up support for himself in the highly-contested mini polls.
So far he has managed to secure an endorsement from Jubilee Party Leader President Uhuru Kenyatta even with reports that there was division in the ruling party about the ex-footballer’s candidature.
Mariga is facing stiff competition from ODM’s Imran Okoth who has even received support from Jubilee quarters.
The president’s allies led by Nominated MP Maina Kamanda have openly thrown their weight behind the late Ken Okoth’s brother, Imran.
