Jubilee Party has nominated footballer McDonald Mariga as its candidate in Kibra parliamentary by-election slated for November 7th.
The ruling party’s National Elections Board (NEB) on Monday settled on Mariga after vetting all the 16 candidates who expressed interest in getting Jubilee ticket.
Mariga emerged as the top candidate after scoring 500 out of the possible 600 marks in the interview carried out by six panelists, according to Citizen Digital.
Candidates were reportedly examined on knowledge of party policies, ability to finance campaigns, understanding of parliamentary work and vision for Kibra among other issues.
Addressing reporters outside Jubilee Party headquarters in Pangani, Nairobi on Monday morning, Mariga said he made the decision to run for the seat after consultations with his family, dismissing claims that he is Deputy President William Ruto’s project.
“I am not being used by anyone, I made this decision with my family, so here I am. Let’s see how it goes,” Mariga noted.
The 32-year-old former Harambee Stars midfielder further explained that he understands the needs of Kibra residents since he was born and raised there.
“I am not anyone’s project and I will support whoever wins since I was born and raised in Kibra,” Mariga said.
The seat fell vacant following the death of former MP Ken Okoth, who succumbed to colorectal cancer while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital on July 26th.
Will he be like jaguar who…
Will he be like jaguar who is only heard when he is defending his godfather? I hope urban Kenyans in Kibra do not vote blindly like the miserable and ignorant lot on the other side of town.