Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata has thrown his weight behind Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate in the Kibra parliamentary race Imran Okoth.
Kang'ata, a Jubilee Party elected lawmaker, said he will back Imran for the respect he had for his brother, Ken Okoth, who was his friend.
The Senator and Ken served together in the 11th Parliament when Kang'ata was MP for Kiharu constituency.
Speaking to Saturday Nation, the Senator said Imran was the best suited candidate to continue with the great development record left behind by his late brother.
"Ken Okoth was my friend and I will be supporting his brother to succeed him because he has been working in Kibra for long and is the best-placed person to continue the legacy," said Kang'ata, who is also the Senate Deputy Majority Chief Whip.
His endorsement comes days after Nominated MP Maina Kamanda rallied behind the candidate of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga-led party.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Kamanda denounced Jubilee's candidate McDonald Mariga and backed Imran who he branded as the 'handshake candidate'.
"I call him handshake candidate and there are so many other members of parliament who want to come and support him, just for one reason: That we have enjoyed peace in our country and we do not want that peace to be thrown out by a few people who do not want to see that we have achieved so much," the veteran politician said.
However, a section of Jubilee MPs has taken issue with leaders backing ODM candidate, calling for the party leadership to expel them.
“In fact, Jubilee members who are against this quest should be disciplined for going against the Political Parties Act," said Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa.