DP Ruto’s word after Mariga loses to ODM’s Imran

Deputy President William Ruto has congratulated ODM Party’s Imran Okoth on his victory in the Kibra by-election held on Thursday, November 7.

Okoth defeated his closest challenger, McDonald Mariga, who flew the Jubilee Party flag in the mini-poll. Okoth amassed 24, 636 votes against Mariga’s 11, 230. ANC’s Eliud Owalo came third with 5, 275 votes, whereas Ford Kenya’s Khamisi Butichi wrapped up the Top Four with 260 votes. The contest attracted 24 competitors.

And following the election outcome, DP Ruto, who rooted for Mariga in the Ken Okoth succession race, says “congratulations” to Imran, but observes that Jubilee Party has made significant inroads in Kibra, a constituency deemed to be the heartland of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“Pongezi Benard Okoth for Kibra. Congrats Mariga, Team Jubilee & 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,” said Ruto on his Twitter page on Friday, November 8.

“Kibra you are amazing! In spite of questionable reinforcements, the con-handshake candidate narrative, the violence/ intimidation, you went past the gate, the door & voted Jubilee a third of 'bedroom'. You have changed the politics of, not just Kibra but Kenya. We are indebted,” added the deputy president.

DP Ruto’s remarks came hours after Mariga called Imran Okoth to concede defeat.

The ex-footballer said he was ready to work with the MP-elect to improve the welfare of Kibra constituents.

Kibra parliamentary seat fell vacant on July 26 following the death of the then-holder, Ken Okoth, who succumbed to cancer.