Nairobi MCAs allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party have dismissed reports that they have shifted their support from the party’s candidate in the upcoming Kibra by-election in favour of a rival candidate.
The MCAs laughed off the claims saying that they are unanimously behind ODM candidate Bernard Otieno Okoth.
UNANIMOUS SUPPORT
The unanimous support came after reports went round that the MCAs were divided in their support for Mr Okoth alias Imran and had thrown their weight behind Amani National Congress (ANC) party candidate Eliud Owalo.
This was after reports emerged that Minority Leader Elias Otieno had declared his support for former aide to ODM party leader Raila Odinga during a burial in Vihiga County last month.
However, the ward representatives, led by Mr Otieno, disputed these claims, saying that they cannot go against their party and will from Friday hit the ground running to drum up support for Imran.
“We are all behind Imran and there is no way we can go against our party. Kibra belongs to ODM and we are launching campaigns to ensure that the party retains the seat,” said Mr Otieno .
The MCAs were speaking on Wednesday at the Minority Leader’s office at the County Assembly, where they had hosted Mr Imran, who paid them a courtesy call.
BEST CANDIDATE
Last month, during a burial in Vihiga County, the Minority Leader was quoted pledging his support for Mr Owalo by declaring that the ANC party candidate is the most preferred candidate for the Kibra seat and condemning Imran for having his brother, the late Ken Okoth, cremated.
But on Wednesday he took back his words.
“I said that because the ground was hostile but now we have our candidate and we are supporting him fully. He is the best candidate because he was the one managing projects initiated in Kibra by his late brother, so he is better placed to continue the good work,” he said.
Minority Chief Whip Peter Imwatok reiterated Otieno’s sentiments declaring his support for Imran assuring him of support during the campaigns to ensure he clinches the seat.
On his part, Mr Imran said that they have agreed on strategies to use and how they will work together during the campaign period in a bid to capture the seat.
“We are also looking at ways through which we are going to work together during this campaign period to bring back the seat to ODM. I’m satisfied with the support I’m receiving from the party,” he said.
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