Jubilee rallies Luhyas and Luos to vote for Mariga

Jubilee Party Kibra by-election candidate McDonald Mariga (centre) flanked by Gospel singer Rufftone (left) addressing residents during his campaign at the Bukhungu stadium in Kibra, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina/Standard]

As Jubilee finalises its campaigns for McDonald Mariga in the Kibra parliamentary by-elections, the party has focused on Kibra’s Luo and Luhya population, the predominant communities of the slum.

Former Senator Boni Khalwale yesterday claimed the only candidates to watch out for in the by-elections are ODM's Imran Okoth and Jubilee’s McDonald Mariga.

Speaking to residents while campaigning for Mariga at Bukhungu grounds in Kibra, Khalwale said Okoth and Mariga are from two respected tribes, but noted the Jubilee candidate will carry the day in the November 7 poll.

He called on the Luo and Luhya residents to unite and vote for Mariga, just as they uniformly voted for Raila Odinga and the late Ken Okoth who was the area MP.

“Do not look at Mariga’s tribe because even Luhyas voted for Raila and Ken Okoth," Khalwale stated.

Speaking at the same rally, several MPs said voting in a Jubilee candidate would guarantee Kibra’s development, noting that the constituency had registered little progress under the leadership of ODM.

Several leaders from western region such as Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and his Mumias East counterpart Benjamin Washiali said it was time for a Luhya to lead Kibra, arguing that it has historically been led by Luo leaders even though the Luhya comprise a large section of the population.

“Kibra has been under the opposition for 30 years, that is why it has many issues such as poor roads and unemployment, but Jubilee has helped to build roads and put up lights. You will witness more development by voting for Mariga since he is in government,” said Lang'ata MP Nixon Korir.

Mariga promised the residents massive changes if elected, including an increase in the bursary from Sh5,000 to Sh10,000, development of infrastructure, creation of jobs and support of small businesses.