Former Makadara Member of Parliament Benson Mutura has been the latest leader to congratulate Ugenya MP-elect David Ochieng after winning in Friday's by-election.
Ochieng who was vying on the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MGD) managed to cruise past his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rival Chris Karan to recapture the seat he lost in the 2017 elections.
Speaking on Radio Jambo's Mazungumzo Waziwazi show on Saturday morning, Mutura who was with Ochieng in parliament between 2013 and 2017 noted that he deserves the seat.
Mutura termed Ochieng as the best candidate for the position judging by his development record and his activeness in parliament. He hailed Ugenya voters for giving him the opportunity.
"Amefanya kazi nzuri na hata tulipokuwa bungeni hakuna aliyefanya kazi nzuri kama yake (he is a performer and a great parliamentarian)," said Mutura.
He, however, noted that Ochieng has a major problem which he will have to deal with if he is to deliver, this being the alleged hate the ODM leadership and brigade has for him.
"Shida moja ni kwamba anachukiwa sana na watu was ODM. Lakini amebadilisha sura ya Ugenya (His main problem is that he is loathed by ODM members but he has done a good job in Ugenya)," he added.
Ochieng was formerly an ODM candidate before he decamped to MDG following a falling out with the party ahead of the 2017 elections.