In exchange for a position in the Azimio government, incumbent Kibra MP Imran Okoth has been requested by Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga to renounce his bid to retain the seat.
The ODM leader requested Imran to withdraw from the race in favor of Peter Orero Mwalimu in a speech he gave on Sunday in Kibra.
“Nataka muambie kijana yangu Imran mimi nitashika mkono yake awachane hapa sasa Mwalimu aingie,” Raila told the crowd at a rally.
Imran was elected to the Kibra MP in a special election held in November 2019 as a result of the passing of his brother, MP Ken Okoth.
However, Raila persuaded him to give up his attempt to win the position in exchange for a state appointment in the Azimio la Umoja administration.
Raila expressed confidence that he will prevail in the election on August 9.
“Imran nitakuwa naye ndani ya serikali, awache Mwalimu aendelee hapa Kibra (I will be with Imran in government, let Mwalimu continue here in Kibra,” Raila said.
During the party primaries in April, Imran and Orero sparred over the ODM ticket, and Orero ultimately prevailed.
Imran received 2,739 votes while Orero received 3,422 votes.
Imran declared on May 20, 2022, that he would run for reelection on an Independent ticket.
However, Raila asserted that the two shouldn’t contend for the seat because they are buddies.
