Opposition leader Raila rules out free ticket in Kibra by-election
By Seth Onyango, August 26, 2019
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has reiterated his support for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) asserting it is Kenya’s best bet for political and economic transformation.
At the same time, he has ruled out direct nominations for Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) aspirants in the upcoming Kibra by-elections and ordered all hopefuls to be vetted before party primaries on Saturday.
The former premier directed that the aspirants be assessed to ascertain their membership and fidelity to the party.
Speaking when he unveiled aspirants in Kamukunji, Kibera, Raila said Kenyans will have a chance to review the BBI recommendations before the plebiscite.
“Next month we will receive the report from BBI after which we will publish it so that Kenyans can have a look. It is after this that we will begin the process for the referendum,” he said.
The Kibra seat fell vacant following the demise of area MP Ken Okoth who succumbed after a long battle with cancer last month.