Details have emerged on why Orange Democratic Movement leader, Raila Odinga, has avoided public appearances and campaigns in Kibra, unlike Deputy President William Ruto, ahead of the November 7, by-election.
On Thursday, October 3, Odinga disclosed his reasons when he met ODM party officials and elected leaders in Nairobi.
Odinga was fired up about how ODM would clinch the seat and floor Ruto's candidate McDonald Mariga despite the African Union's envoy leading his party's campaign from the sidelines.
"With me here are leaders who entered politics in 1992 and other young party members. This is your campaign, it is not mine.
"I have become old and will be sitting down to watch how the campaign unfolds. I will only join you if you ask me to do so," Odinga stated in.
Odinga further warned Jubilee to steer clear of Kibra asserting that ODM was an unbearable storm in the area for Ruto and his candidate.
"There are those who have promised to come and bury us politically here in Kibra. I dare them to dig the grave and see who will enter first.
"When they pour money, seize that opportunity and squander it, then vote for Imran Okoth," Odinga stated.
Deputy President William Ruto on Sunday, September 29, stated that he would be on the frontline in Kibra campaigns that would see Jubilee pitch camp in Kibra.
He hatched a new move where he invited Kibra residents at his posh Karen home and Karen office on two different occasions, where he campaigned for Mariga.
On Tuesday, October 1, former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale argued that Odinga allegedly planned to drag Ruto to campaign in Kibra in a supremacy battle between the two top leaders in a trap that would leave Ruto red-faced.
Ruto on the same day refuted the claims and stated that he was out to ensure that Kibra residents elected a leader who would serve them for the following three years.
ODM Communications Director, Philip Etale, blasted Ruto's latest move wher he hosts Kibra residents at his home and splashing money at rallies.
"Raila is not in competition with Ruto. He will not engage in such kind of politics. He is a busy man, not a busybody. Politics of hosting delegations is long overtaken by events.
"Our campaign is about Kibra and we are engaging with the people of Kibra not in private or official residences. We know what we want, " Etale slamed in a statement to Kenyans.co.ke.
