Jubilee nominates McDonald Mariga for Kibra mini-poll

Jubilee Party has unveiled former Harambee Stars player McDonald Mariga has its candidate for the November 7 by-election in Kibra constituency.

Mariga’s nomination was announced late on Monday by National Elections Board chairman Andrew Musangi after a day-long vetting of 16 aspirants who had interest in the party’s ticket.

“McDonald Mariga Wanyama will be the voice of Jubilee in Kibra,” Musangi said.

He said Mariga is a man of impeccable character and credentials, adding he had enduring connections with the people of Kibra.

Candidates tested on, among others, knowledge of party policies, ability to finance campaigns, understanding of parliamentary work, vision for Kibra, alignment with the party’s manifesto and ability to deliver its mandate.

Earlier, speaking to journalists at Jubilee headquarters after presenting his papers, Mariga dismissed allegations that his entry to the race was prompted by a senior Jubilee politician. The retired Footballer said that he has grown up in Kibra and wants to give back to the community.

“Nimekuwa mkazi huko nimeishi Karanja so I know kila kitu huku I just want to give back to the community I know what they go through (I have been a resident here. I have lived in Karanja so I know everything about this place. I just wat to give back to the community…)”, said Mariga.

Mariga will now await to see whom he will be ranged against as other parties such as Orange Democratic Movement and Ford Kenya are yet to settle on their candidates.

Only the Amani National Congress (ANC) has announced Eliud Owalo, formerly of ODM, as its flagbearer in the mini-poll that was necessitated by the death of area MP Ken Okoth.

ODM will conduct its nominations on Saturday after postponing the exercise, slated for last Saturday, due to lack of security personell who were engaged in national population and housing census.

Over 20 candidates had expressed interest in the ODM ticket, which is considered an added advantage in the polls considering the overwhelming support the Orange Party and its leader Raila Odinga enjoy in Kibra.

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