Kibra poll laid the groundwork for political intrigues
By Sabina Akoth
The dust is slowly settling in Kibra constituency after a highly contested electoral process. ODM candidate Imran Okoth clinched the seat.
A keen political eye would however, not be surprised by his rise to power. For starters, there was that sense of familiarity and loyalty amongst residents. Most voters felt it necessary to carry forward the memory of their former MP, the late Ken Okoth, and his brother Imran was the best fit for it.
Imran has also worked with Kibra residents for some considerable time. His stint as the Constituency Development Fund manager during his brother’s tenure ensured he was in touch with the needs of constituents. His calm personality also won admiration from voters.
Then there were party and tribal dynamics in the contest. Kibra constituency is largely associated with the Luo and Luhya communities, whose members are mostly represented in the ODM party. That Imran comfortably straddled these two conduits was an added advantage. The support he got from the ODM party and its leadership ensured he had the technical, financial and political goodwill to sail through.
It is perhaps from these prisms that the other candidates failed to impress the Kibra majority. New political entrants such as the retired footballer McDonald Mariga of Jubilee Party appeared detached from the realities of the constituency. His entry into the race was brought to question, with majority concluding he was simply chancing on the seat.
Mariga’s saving grace however, was the powerful support that he got from Deputy President William Ruto as well as the ethnic dynamics.
ANC’s Eliud Owalo equally exhibited a lack of communion with the masses. Most of the people described him as elitist. Despite his familiarity with the area, his manifesto was equally flowery with little to show for any foundation he has built over the years. He was heard calling Mariga illiterate during one of his campaign, an insult that did not go well with some of the voters who identified with some of Mariga’s campaign challenges. His party did not do him lots of justice either, in terms of campaign narratives and socioeconomic investments.
Other new faces included Editar Ochieng who emerged sixth in the race. While she was disadvantaged based on her gender, financial fluidity and political affiliations, she is still viewed as having made an indelible mark in the minds of Kibra voters.
These happenings have ultimately brought their fair share of lessons and intrigues. For instance, the Deputy President on his Twitter account message alluded that his dalliance with politics in Kibra was largely a test of his mettle within Raila’s backyard. He stated that he was giving notice, a message that has been interpreted as a dare for the next political season.
In quick succession, the ODM brigade has retorted that it is prepared for all political onslaughts, including the soon-to-be-released BBI report.
In between these two warring groups are other political luminaries such as Musalia Mudavadi, who are still finding their way out of the debris. His candidate’s dismal performance in the election has been interpreted as a weakness on Mudavadi’s part as a political leader. This is likely to work against him in the future, unless he can prove he has more to offer than political maunderings.
There are things that are likely to remain constant, however, as we pander to our political proclivities. Voter bribery and politically-instigated violence appear to be part of our electoral DNA. These claims are being made across all the political divides giving the impression that we read from the same page as far as political malpractices are concerned.
Regardless, the country wishes Imran well as he takes up his role as leader, mentor and planner in Kibra.
—The writer comments on socio-political and development matters
