Deputy President William Ruto on Friday, November 8, reacted to McDonald Mariga's loss in the Kibra by-election.
In the mini-poll, Mariga garnered 11,230 votes losing to ODM's Imran Okoth who got 24,636 votes.
Taking to his Twitter, Ruto congratulated Okoth for his victory while acknowledging the efforts of his own team.
He noted that the polls had shown that his political faction was making headways in Raila's perceived stronghold.
"Pongezi Benard Okoth for Kibra. Congratulations Mariga, Team Jubilee and supporters for daring the so-called 'bedroom', braving the chaos and violence, to double our vote from 12% (2017) to 26% now.
He observed that ODM's influence in the area had reduced from 78% in 2017 to 52%.
Taking note of the numbers, Ruto insinuated that the battle was far from over, "They retained the seat we have served notice."
Ruto further thanked the Kibra residents for the support they showed to his candidate.
"Kibra you are amazing! In spite of questionable reinforcements, the con-handshake candidate narrative, the violence/ intimidation, you went past the gate, the door and voted Jubilee a third of 'bedroom'.
"You have changed the politics of, not just Kibra but Kenya. We are indebted," he added.
On Thursday, November 8, Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu predicted that the statement from Ruto's team would be along the lines that they had made progress in infiltrating ODM's stronghold.
"This wasn’t about winning, it was about challenging perceptions. You should compare the 2017 votes and today. We have really done very well. If we can get these kinds of votes in a by-election there, 2022 we are taking the seat," he opined in a Facebook post.
