Why President Uhuru Kenyatta will not campaign for McDonald Mariga in Kibra by-election

Why Uhuru will not campaign for Mariga in Kibra

Tony Mukere

September 17, 2019 10:35 AM

Ruto to lead Mariga's campaign

Why President Uhuru Kenyatta will not campaign for McDonald Mariga in Kibra by-election

President Uhuru Kenyatta will not campaign McDonald Mariga who is vying in the Kibra parliamentary by-election on a Jubilee ticket.

A local daily quoted several officials in the resident’s office who indicated that President Kenyatta would not campaign in Kibra as he is “too busy” with other matters.

The President’s spokesperson, Kanze Dena, has remained mum on Kenyatta diary regarding Kibra by-elections campaign.

However, those who spoke on condition of anonymity indicated that the head of state was placing all his efforts on the Big Four Agenda.

Raila Odinga

Political observers say that the President’s presence in Kibra would likely send the wrong signals as he has made a close working relationship with ODM Leader Raila Odinga whose party previously held the seat through the late Ken Okoth.

Odinga and Kenyatta have said they had set aside political differences to work on unity of the country which is aimed at facilitating the Big Four Agenda.

On the other hand, Deputy President William Ruto, has taken an aggressive position against Odinga, in what some Jubilee politicians have termed as “disrespect” against the President.

Mariga is seen as Ruto’s candidate in Kibra, with the DP’s close allies managing the retired footballer’s career in Kibra. During a visit to Moi Girls in Kibra, the deputy president had promised to visit constituency to campaign for Mariga.

A section of Jubilee politicians, led by nominated MP Maina Kamanda and who are perceived to be loyal to President Kenyatta, have indicated they would not support Mariga but would instead campaign against him by supporting rival candidates.

Tony Mukere