Uhuru Endorses McDonald Mariga for Kibra MP Seat

President Kenyatta has thrown his weight behind Jubilee Party’s candidate in the November 7th Kibra parliamentary by-election, McDonald Mariga.

Kenyatta met Mariga at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday and pledged to accord him his full support.

“The President wished Mr. Mariga, who was accompanied by Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju, success in the contest and assured him of his full backing,” said State House in a statement.

Deputy President William Ruto, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale and Jubilee Party Chief Whip Benjamin Washiali were among other leaders who attended the meeting.

Kenyatta endorsed Mariga’s candidature two days after the former football star was cleared by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to run for the seat.

The 32-year-old was given the green light by IEBC’s Dispute Tribunal after he appealed an earlier decision by Kibra Returning Officer to disqualify him on grounds that his name was missing in the voters’ register.

The Kibra MP Seat fell vacant following the death of Ken Okoth, who succumbed to cancer in July.