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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party led by Raila Odinga has issued a statement on the way forward regarding expected by-elections in Kibra constituency to replace the late Ken Okoth.
Through its official Twitter handle, the party stated that it will not engage in the politics of who shall succeed the deceased in ODM and Kibra constituency that is perceived to be the party’s stronghold.
According to the statement, the ODM family is still in mourning following Okoth’s death with the seat yet to be declared vacant by the Speaker of the national assembly, Hon Justin Muturi.
The statement read in part that “The ODM family is still mourning the death of Hon Ken Okoth. The writs to declare the seat vacant have not been issued by Speaker @SpeakerJBMuturi”.
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A screenshot of ODM's tweet regarding the party's position on replacing Ken Okoth in Kibra
The party made it clear that such discussions will only be tabled once the seat is declared vacant.
“Until that time, we shall not engage in politics of who shall succeed the late Ken Okoth in ODM and Kibra constituency”. Added the statement.
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File image of Johnston Muthama, Evans Kidero, Raila Odinga and former Kibra MP Ken Okoth at a campaign rally in Kibra
The communication comes amidst speculation on who will fly the party’s flag in the anticipated by-elections and possibly succeed Okoth who succumbed to colorectal cancer last month.
In 2017, the ODM party ticket attracted the interest of Odinga's daughter Rosemary Odinga, Mr Eliud Owalo, who is a former aide to Mr Odinga, and Mr Martin Okoth.
Rosemary later dropped out of the race shortly after developing health complications with Ken Okoth bagging the party ticket and eventually retaining the seat.