Following an early lead by ODM Kibra by-election candidate Bernard 'Imran' Okoth, politicians sent their congratulatory messages on various social media platforms.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi sent in his congratulatory message on Facebook, praising Okoth as a good person, who would deliver his promises to the people of Kibra.
"Congratulations Bernard Imran Okoth for winning Kibra parliamentary seat. We only failed to strategize well on the fact we were not aware that there were hired goons who were intimidating voters not to come out and vote. We never knew that there were people threatening voters behind the scenes.
"I personally believe Imran Okoth is a good person and am sure he will deliver to people of Kibra. To our political nemesis, we are not done with you yet, we just postponed our victory. We will live to fight another day," Sudi stated.
On his part, Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho stated that Kibra Constituency had demonstrated maturity in the elections.
"Congratulations Hon Bernard Okoth for the emphatic victory in the Kibra parliamentary by-election. This is a clear demonstration of maturity by Kibra electorate, who defied bribery and intimidation.
"The people of Kibra have accorded you the opportunity to honour the legacy of your late brother Hon Ken Okoth. ODM has once again sent a clear message to our competitors. This is just the beginning," he weighed in.
An excited Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru also congratulated Okoth, terming the win as a handshake victory.
"Congratulations to Kibra MP Elect Bernard Otieno Okoth Imran and Kibra people for voting in a true son of Kibra. Thank you for honouring the handshake. Walikucheka lakini (They laughed at you but) things are different on the ground [sic]. Long live the handshake, forward onward to BBI," she posted on her social media.
Elgeyo Marakwet MP Kipchumba Murkomen also congratulated Okoth for his win.
"Congratulations to Bernard Okoth for winning Kibra seat. I salute our Jubilee candidate McDonald Mariga for putting up a strong fight. Well done buddy.Very proud of our performance in Kibra.Getting over 30 per cent of the votes in our competitor’s constituency is a sign of a great future," Murkomen stated.
“As Team Embrace, we came out to support Imran. He was the handshake candidate…We saw some politicians come with money to bribe voters. That was wrong,” Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Gedi posted.
Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo was also following the do or die battle to clinch the Kibra parliamentary seat and congratulated ODM's candidate.
"Congrats Imran for your victory in Kibra. Indeed Baba is an enigma, hate or like him, he’s Baba period," the politician wrote.
