A win for the Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) candidate Bernard Imran Okoth in the Kibra by-election elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans of all walks of life.
Ranging from congratulatory messages to trolls, political leaders, various party supporters aired out their thoughts on the victory of the ODM candidate.
Beginning with McDonald Mariga’s reaction, even before the tallying was concluded, the Jubilee candidate called his fierce competitor to congratulate him for emerging the victor.
The former football star pledged his support to Imran saying he will assist where necessary in delivering his mandate to the Kibra people.
Besides, a host of Jubilee leaders also congratulated Imran for the victory.
Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen tweeted; “Congratulations to Bernard Okoth for winning Kibra seat. I salute our Jubilee candidate @MarigaOfficial for putting up a strong fight.
“Well done buddy.Very proud of our performance in Kibra.Getting over 30% of the votes in our competitor’s Constituency is a sign of a great future.”
Also, Jubilee’s digital blogger Dennis Itumbi joined other leaders in accepting defeat.
The blogger tweeted: “Finally Team @ImranOkoth – Congratulations. You campaigned in good poetry, now Govern with credible Prose.
“I wish you well and just said a prayer for you to lead the great people of Kibra well. It was a good sport. @EtalePhilip I salute you. Well done!”
Leaders across the political divide who were in support of the ODM candidate did not hesitate to congratulate the ODM candidate.
Baringo Senator Gideon Moi took to his social media accounts to laud the people of Kibra for choosing Imran.
“The people of Kibra have profoundly spoken; that Imran Bernard Okoth takes the mantle to cement the magnificent work of the late Ken Okoth. Congratulations and may peace, love and unity continue to prevail in our country,” wrote Gideon on his Facebook page.
Jubilee Governor Anne Waiguru also welcomed the news saying Imran’s victory is a fresh start to bigger political transformation that is in the offing.
“Congratulations to Kibra MP Elect @ImranOkoth & Kibra people for voting in a true son of Kibra. Thank you for honouring the handshake. Walikucheka lakini #kwagroundvitunidifferent. Long live the #Handshake ; forward, onward to #BBI #volumeikosawa?” tweeted Waiguru.
Here is how other Kenyans reacted to the news:
Congratulations my brother @ImranOkoth for your sobberness in victory, psalm 18:43 “you gave me victory over my accusers. You appointed me ruler over nations; people I don’t even know now serve me” @MarigaOfficial you are gracious in defeat very humble. 🤝 #BedroomSecured
— Raila Junior Odinga (@Railajunior) November 8, 2019
Congratulations to Imran. We live to fight another day.
— Hon. William Chepkut (@Chepkut_William) November 8, 2019
Congratulations to Super SG @edwinsifuna … The Kibra victory has again reaffirmed that indeed @RailaOdinga ‘s faith in you was never in vain. #MbelePamoja#BedroomBully pic.twitter.com/UFwiosVjGO
— Kipkalya Kones (@CollinceBey) November 8, 2019
With shock, disbelief & defeat the hustler Nation wakes up this morning to a different Kenya. Second we will pass BBI with the same smoothness & bang! William Ruto will never be President & his Mt Kenya team of Ichungwa, Waititu & Nyoro are now shamed. #Maina Kamanda @AnneWaiguru
— Tony Gachoka (@TonyGachoka) November 8, 2019
Dear Kibra People:
Thank you for respecting President Uhuru Kenyatta & Prime Minister Raila Odinga for being the first to endorse their Handshake in Elections.
Am leaving the Country briefly & in a celebratory mood. You showed that you can’t be bought. You held yourselves high. pic.twitter.com/YG4fT89BQq
— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) November 8, 2019