ODM leader Raila Odinga’s effort to assert his influence in the upcoming Kibra by-election was dealt a huge blow when rival, Amani National Congress candidate Eliud Owalo met elders from the Luo community on Saturday, September 28.
In a post on Facebook, Owalo stated that the over 500 elders threw their weight behind him to help trounce ODM’s Imran Okoth.
“Earlier today, I held a consultative meeting with about 500 elders drawn from the Luo Community.
“The elders assured me of their unwavering support in my bid for the Kibra parliamentary seat in the by-election slated for November 7 2019,” he posted on his social media.
Owalo lived in Kibra upon coming to Nairobi and maintained strong links to date.
“I have first-hand experience of the plight and challenges facing the people. I, therefore, have a strong-will, conviction and zeal to make life more bearable for the good people of Kibra,” a statement on his website reads.
Apart from Okoth, the ANC flagbearer faces stiff competition from Jubilee frontrunner McDonald Mariga.
Raila’s co-principals at NASA Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula have ganged up to support Ford Kenya’s Khamisi Butichi.
During a meeting that was held at Wiper Party offices in Nairobi, Kalonzo disclosed that the decision to support Butichi was to reciprocate Ford Kenya’s decision not to field a candidate in the Embakasi South by-election, in which Wiper’s Julius Mawathe won the seat.
The two parties (Wiper and Ford Kenya) agreed to have Butichi officially endorsed by the Ford Kenya brigade which is expected to hold a proper event at Athi-River on Sunday, September 29.
