Jubilee Could Front Ruto’s Candidate Donald Mariga To Rival ODM In Kibra

Jubilee Party will field a candidate in the forthcoming Kibra by-election scheduled for November 7.  Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju announced on Monday, August 26, 2019.

“Our analysis and consultations confirm that our Jubilee Party is competitive enough in the forthcoming political contest. It is noteworthy that the neighbouring Lang’ata Constituency was won by Jubilee Party candidate contrary to conventional political analysis,” said Mr Tuju.

Soon after a “list” of Jubilee candidates rumoured to be vying for the Kibra Constituency leaked online. Among them is McDonald Mariga, Deputy presidents Ruto very close friend. Circumstances suggest Ruto could well be behind Mariga’s name appearing on the list.

If he sails through the nomination stage, Mariga would face off the Raila Odinga led Orange Democratic Movement candidate. Others fighting for the ruling party’s nomination slot includes Said Ibrahim, Peter Kinyanjui and Doreen Wasike, the only lady contestant.

The Jubilee Party was however quick to disassociate from the letter on twitter claiming official communication would follow soon

This letter that is making rounds within social media outlets is FAKE. Please note that any communication regarding the Kibra Constituency by-election will be done through the official Party organ. pic.twitter.com/EJGqomloDO

— JUBILEE PARTY® (@JubileePartyK) August 26, 2019

If the list turns out to be true this would be a direct jab at ODM due to the constituency being its home turf. With the move set to ruffle feathers within ODM, alliance of the two parties given last year’s March 9 handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga will be put to test.