Jubilee Party candidate in the Kibra parliamentary by-election McDonald Mariga has broken silence after goons attacked his supporters during a rally in the area on Saturday.
Members of Mariga's campaign team were beaten up and their vehicle pelted with stones during an event to popularise the former Kenyan international footballer.
After the campaign rally turned ugly in one of the wards, Mariga and his convoy camped at Bukhungu grounds in Makina Ward where they addressed hundreds of their supporters.
Taking to social media on Sunday to thank his supporters for turning out in large numbers, the Jubilee candidate pointed an accusing finger at rival party for hiring goons to cause violence against his campaign team.
"Thank you Kibra. I want also to thank the huge crowd that filled the Bukhungu grounds Makina Ward who came to listen to me and Welcome jubilee to Kibra. I am thrilled as the rally was successful even though violence emerged against our supporters by criminals from another party that claims that Kibra is their bedroom," Mariga posted on Facebook.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa and Nominated Senator Milicent Omanga have accused the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of being behind the violence.
"ODM has gone back to factory settings, that of mayhem and unleashing crude violence with unmatched ruthlessness on its peaceful Jubilee opponent. Not even the handshake could tame these bloodthirsty goons. Not even our progressive electoral laws.
Wow! And guess the silly excuse they give as part of damage control? That IDs were being bought. Isnt it laughable? Who in his/her right mind can believe this outlandish lie if not ODM slaves? Mark you, this comes barely a week after they accused IEBC of planning to rig the Kibra byelection," Omanga said.