The decision by nominated MP Maina Kamanda to endorse ODM candidate for Kibra by-election Imran Okoth has been backed by Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu.
Kamanda's move comes just few hours after his party leader, President Uhuru Kenyatta openly endorsed former footballer McDonald Mariga for the seat on Jubilee ticket.
Mr Kamanda and Ngunjiri have been battling out with DP William Ruto, accusing him of often undermining President Uhuru Kenyatta's ban against early campaigns.
And on Thursday, Ngunjiri argued that Kamanda had a right to defy Uhuru, adding that after all, Ruto, who is behind Mariga's candidature, has severally defied the president.
"I am seeing TangaTanga fellows all over the place saying that Hon Maina Kamanda has defied his Party Leader Uhuru Kenyatta by supporting ODM’s Imran Okoth, rather than Jubilee’s Mariga.
"They could have a point. But I think it’s balanced out by the fact that Ruto has also been defying Uhuru on the handshake. Personally I will go to campaign for Mariga ... when Uhuru goes to Kibra. Meanwhile let Nairobi people wamenyanyane mpaka Kieleweke," he said.
Mr Kamanda, a veteran of Nairobi politics, on Thursday endorsed Imran Okoth, arguing that he was the best candidate to take Kibra people to the next level.
He maintained that his decision was personal, another indication of growing rifts within Jubilee party. Kamanda has been leading anti-Ruto campaigns in the country.
“I am here in my personal capacity...The Handshake brought us harmony and peace in the country.. As Jubilee we have a candidate but as a person, I will be with the ODM candidate…I am here to stand with the candidate nominated by ODM Imran Okoth” the MP said as quoted in a tweet by Citizen TV.