Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga had a soft spot on deceased Kibra MP Ken Okoth because he believed in his philosophy, ODM Communications Director Philip Etale has said.
Mr Odinga was captured struggling to eulogise Mr Okoth on Friday evening, terming him a social leader who believed in eradication of poverty.
And with some Kenyans accusing Odinga of secretly plotting against Okoth in 2017 polls, Etale has dismissed allegations, arguing that Raila chose Okoth over his former aide Eliud Owalo.
Mr Okoth was to face competition for ODM ticket from Mr Owalo and Raila's own daughter Rosemary Odinga, who was forced to pull out after becoming ill.
"Ndugu, @RailaOdinga liked Ken so much. Infact in 2013, it is him who brought the fallen legislator to vie for the seat as he went for the top seat. In 2017, he chose Ken against his former campaign manager Eliud Owalo. That shows how much he had confidence in him," Etale responded to blogger Abraham Mutai.
Mr Owalo protested out of ODM, accusing Mr Odinga of plotting to rig him out in favour of Rosemary. He went on to claim that Odinga will lose in 2017 polls.
In 2013, Owalo was a key figure in Cord Secretariat. It's not clear whether or not they have since reconciled with Mr Odinga, who is not known to keeping grudges.
“But I’m however eagerly waiting for the results of the August 2017 Presidential elections in which I believe Raila will have no option but to come to terms with the sad reality that Malipo ni Hapa Hapa Duniani,” he said.
Mr Okoth,41, died on Friday after years of battling with colon cancer. Odinga hailed him as a performer, adding that his legacy to Kibra people will remain intact.