Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga is optimistic that party candidate Imran Okoth will emerge victorious in the Kibra parliamentary by-election set for next week on Thursday.
Speaking on Tuesday when he hosted a delegation of members of Kikuyu community living in Kibra, Raila urged them to support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report and also vote for ODM candidate in the November 7 polls.
The former Prime Minister said Okoth's win will be a major boost for the BBI, which is his brainchild with President Uhuru Kenyatta following their March 9, 2018, handshake.
“We will get the BBI report soon but let us go to Kibra first. Kibra will be the first child of the BBI,” Raila said
The delegation which met the ex-premier at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation offices in Upper Hill, Nairobi, was led by Jubilee MPs Maina Kamanda (Nominated) and Ruth Mwaniki (Kigumo).
Kamanda said he was supporting Okoth because he was the 'handshake candidate' and insinuated he was also representing the President.
“When you see me here, know that President Uhuru Kenyatta is here. On November 7, please come out in large numbers to vote for Imran. Imran’s victory will be a win for the unity of this country,” he said.
The veteran politician told off a section of Jubilee politicians who have been criticising his move to back ODM candidate saying he won't be cowed.
“Even if I am a nominated MP, I will not be silenced,” said the former Starehe MP.