Football legend McDonald Mariga is among five aspirants interested to fly President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee party flag for Kibra by-election.
On Monday, Secretary General Raphael Tuju said the party had decided to enter into the race, despite the fact that the constituency is perceived to be an ODM stronghold.
“Our analysis and consultations confirm that our Jubilee Party is competitive enough in the forthcoming political contest," he said in a statement on Monday.
He added: "It is noteworthy that the neighbouring Lang’ata Constituency was won by Jubilee party candidate contrary to conventional political analysis.”
He asked interested parties to make application for consideration. The move comes just a day after rival ODM unveiled 26 candidates interested in the party ticket.
“We are therefore giving notice to our members who are interested in contesting the seat on a Jubilee party ticket to forward their applications to the National Elections Board. Details may be obtained from the party’s directorate of elections,” added Mr Tuju.
In a list unveiled by the party, the former Purma and Intermilan midfielder is among those who will be wrestling for the party ticket in a date yet to be announced.
The other four include Peter Kinyanjui, Said Ibrahim, Walter Trenk, Doreen Wasike. They will battle the winner of ODM who will be picked in August 31st, two months to November 7 polls.
The seat was left vacant following the death of Ken Okoth, who succumbed to cancer last month. Mariga, also a former Harambee Stars midfielder, is elder brother to outgoing Tottenham Hotspurs midfielder Victor Wanyama.
Should Mariga win the ticket and go on to capture the seat, he will join the league of former Intermilan footballers to win elective seats. Brazilian senator Romario played for the club.