President Uhuru Kenyatta surprised most when he failed to show up in Jubilee Kibra candidate McDonald Mariga's final campaign.
With the anticipated November 7 Kibra by-election, the campaigns took an unusual high with the renowned footballer accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto among other leaders, on Sunday, November 3.
According to a Twitter post by State House, the president opted to attend a joint prayer and thanksgiving service for Disciplined Service Officers and their families at the Holy Family Minor Basilica, Nairobi County.
As could be seen in the photos, Uhuru was accompanied by Police Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai among other faithful.
Being the Jubilee party leader, Uhuru would naturally be expected to crown Mariga's campaign but this was not the case.
Ruto, on the other hand, held a campaign rally for Mariga at DC grounds in Kibra constituency.
He hit out at opposition leader Raila Odinga stating that being a Member of Parliament for Kibra and Lang'ata constituencies, he had nothing to show for it, which is why he should pave way for the youthful Maariga.
The ODM party brigade also held their campaigns at Woodley grounds in Kibra, seeking to drum the most support out of their last campaign.
On Monday, September 9, the Head of State reportedly snubbed a party organised by his deputy, to christen McDonald Mariga as Jubilee's candidate in the Kibra polls.
This had fuelled rumours insinuating that he preferred to let Raila Odinga-led ODM field a candidate without their interruption.
However, on Wednesday, September 18, the president invited Mariga and finally endorsed him at State House.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, the president wished the former soccer star, who was accompanied by the party’s secretary-general, Raphael Tuju, success in the by-elections scheduled for November 7.
