DP Rutos message to ODM after Imran Okoth win in Kibra by-election

Deputy President William Ruto on Friday accused the Orange Democratic Movement of perpetuating the ‘con-handshake candidate narrative’.

According to him, there were questionable reinforcements during the Kibra by-election and violence as well as intimidation of voters in their strongholds.

“Pongezi Benard Okoth for Kibra. Congrats Mariga, Team Jubilee and supporters for daring the so called ‘bedroom’, braving the chaos/violence, to double our vote from 12%(2017) to 26% now. Our competitors came down 78% (2017) to 52%. They retained the seat we have served notice,” the DP said.

His message came hours after Jubilee candidate Mcdonald Mariga conceded defeat shortly after vote counting had begun at the tallying centre.

According to the DP, Mariga inched out part of Kibra from Raila Odinga’s hold and demonstrated that Jubilee’s presence has doubled since the last election.

He insisted that Mariga had ‘shamed those who betrayed our leader and party.’

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchima Murkomen also echoed the DP’s sentiments as he threw a jibe at the Opposition.

“Let us not forget that the last time a number two (2) in Presidential elections conceded to the winner in this gracious manner was 2002. Well done Mariga!” Murkomen said.

The Senate Majority Leader however congratulated the Amani National Congress (ANC) saying: “Congratulations to Eliud Owalo for a spirited fight and for your issue based campaigns. Congratulations to my friend Musalia Mudavadi for leading your campaigns honorably despite the violence and intimidation. Now the truth is out there, you know the friends to work with. All best!”

On the other hand, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria on Friday continued with his criticism of Mariga as Jubilee’s preferred candidate for Kibra.

”Congratulations @ImranOkoth for outright victory for you, my friend Ken Okoth and the people of Kibra. Pole sana Mariga there is still hope on Sunday during the #Mashemejiderby,” he said on Twitter.

During the Jubilee campaigns in Septemeber, the Gatundu South MP had accused the DP of depriving Mariga of his youthful aspirations and football career ambitions.

“Let Macdonald Mariga spend time to grow our football and our talents. Siasa itakuwepo leo, kesho na mtondogoo. @Williamruto let the young man be. He will live to join this silly, dirty game of politics another day,” the MP said on Twitter.