ODM blasts local newspaper, assures supporters they are ready for Saturday's nomination in Kibra

Why this coming Saturday might change ODM politics

Mumbi Mutuko

September 4, 2019 4:07 PM

Important Day

Raila Odinga addressing Kibra residents

After Jubilee picked footballer McDonald Mariga as their candidate for the Kibra Parliamentary race, the rivals ODM have willed their fate to the people.

On Saturday, September 7, ODM will hold nominations in Kibra where their members will elect the party's flag bearer.

The Party, took to Twitter to dismiss an article on a local publication which had insinuated they were not prepared for the upcoming by-election.

"Ignore the lead story on the @TheStarKenya. We are ready for the nomination exercise in Kibra this Saturday 7th Sept 2019 at all @IEBCKenya gazetted polling stations," the tweet read in part.

Raila Odinga addressing Kibra residents Pulse Live Kenya

IEBC ready

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEBC) is preparing for the by-election within three months after the issuance of the notice by the Speaker.

On the Jubilee side, MPs have opposed the nomination of Mariga as their party’s candidate with some vowing to campaign for the ODM candidate.

MPs Maina Kamanda and Moses Kuria said they would back ODM's candidate in the poll set for November 7.

Mr Kamanda said he would not allow Deputy President William Ruto to ruin the handshake with his “selfish political interests”.

Some Jubilee MPs to back ODM

“The candidate Jubilee Party picked has been imposed on the party by Ruto. He is Ruto’s candidate and not Jubilee’s. I am for a candidate who will be announced by ODM,” Kamanda said.