Jubilee candidate for the just concluded Kibra by-elections, MacDonald Mariga, on Monday visited those injured during the hotly contested race.
Mariga wished those injured well and also thanked those who voted for him in the mini poll, which was characterized by scenes of electoral violence, votes buying and voter bribery.
“Earlier today I visited some of my supporters who were injured during the by-election and wished them well and to also thank those who voted for me. As good citizens we should always maintain peace no matter our differences on who we support,” he said.
Earlier today I visited Some of my supporters who were injured during the by-election and wished them well and to also thank those who voted for me. As good citizens we should always maintain peace no matter our differences on who we support.#ThankYouKibra pic.twitter.com/U2Zff2JkPQ
— Mariga Macdonald (@MarigaOfficial) November 11, 2019
Mariga conceded defeat in the early stages of ballot counting, but chaos was witnessed in various sections of the constituency, in an election that was seen as a battlefront for Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Most notably, Kimilili MP Didimus Barasa was openly roughed up by rowdy youth as rival groups cheered on. Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale strolled the slums armed with stones after some youth brutally kicked him out of a polling station.
Barasa later announced he would recruit a team of 500 goons to offer security against his opponents after Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati allegedly unleashed the gang on him.
“It’s on this basis that I invite applications for recruitment of 500 persons to join my team, those with certificate of good conduct will be disqualified. Training commences immediately. An attractive commission and retainer will be offered to successful applicants,” Barasa posted on Twitter.
Its on this basis that I invite applications for recruitment of 500 persons to join my team,those with certificate of good conduct will be disqualified. Training commences imediately. An attractive commission and retainer will be offered to successful applicants.
— Didmus Barasa – OGW (@DidmusWaBarasa) November 9, 2019
Arati, however, dismissed the allegations and accused Tanga Tanga MPs of turning him into a punching bag whenever something happened to them.
“Sadly, I am being blamed yet I saved my brother from the wrath of the youths who had been told that Jubilee legislators were on the ground to buy voters,” said Arati.
“It is wrong for people and even you the media to report that I unleashed youths on Barasa. It is me who saved him.”