Deputy President William Ruto on Wednesday postponed a meeting meant for Luo community members living in Kibra ahead of by-election.
IEBC has scheduled November 7th for the polls which have seen the DP vigorously campaign for Jubilee candidate McDonald Mariga in the race to succeed Ken Okoth.
The DP was scheduled to meet Luos on Wednesday, as he seeks to change the voting dynamic in the region perceived to be ODM stronghold.
According to Emmanuel Talam, his communication aide, the meeting was postponed and rescheduled for next week, due to the fact that Ruto was handling state matters.
“The meetings will be held next week, the DP is today busy holding meetings on State matters,” deputy spokesperson Emmanuel Talam said.
Already, Ruto has met Abagusii, Luhyas, Kalenjins, Kambas and Kikuyus living in Kibra. The Luo community constitutes the largest voting block.
But political scientist Harman Manyora accuses Ruto of pulling a tribal card in the polls, adding that use of Karen residence is not ideal for DP.
“We must fight the culture of tribal segmentation. Besides, this is in complete violation of the law by using State resources to influence voters. That’s official residence, just like State House,” Mr Manyora said.
Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati said Ruto was unable to campaign in Kibra and thought the people were poor and could be manipulated by going to his residence to pick handouts.
“At the end of the day, he will be surprised that he has not been meeting genuine voters. We are telling our people to troop there and eat,” said Mr Arati.
Mariga is expected to face fierce rivalry from ODM's Imran Okoth, Eliud Owalo of Amani National Congress and Eng Ramadhan Khamisi of Ford Kenya.
The meeting with Luo community and Nubian living in Kibra is scheduled for next week although the exact date is yet to be announced.