Former Kakamega Senator Bonnie Khalwale has asked ODM leader Raila Odinga and Senator James Orengo not to take the outcome of the by-elections in Embakasi South and Ugenya constituencies 'to heart', adding that upsets are normal in politics.
Chris Karan of ODM lost to David Ochieng' of MDG in Ugenya, while Irshad Sumra was defeated by Julius Mawathe of Wiper in the Embakasi South by-election on Friday.
Khalwale, who has since decamped from Raila's team, questioned the commitment of Edwin Sifuna and Philip Etale towards helping ODM in the two by-elections.
"Gentlemen, please don’t take these matters to heart. Mambo ya elections saa zingine hayaeleweki. What we don’t understand is why your Baluhyia political giants (Atwoli/Eliud Sifuna/Philip Etale) didn’t ask their kinsmen to turn out and vote for @TheODMparty," Khalwale said in a tweet.
Deputy President William Ruto has also been dragged into the debate surrounding the by-elections results. The ODM party had labelled the two eventual winners as 'Ruto's projects'
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna conceded defeat on behalf of the party, adding that the Orange party had a bad day on the ballot. He, however, thanked party followers for supporting their respective candidates.
"We had a tough day at the ballot. The entire @TheODMparty put in their best effort but we have come up short in both Ugenya and Embakasi South. I thank all those who turned out to support us. Congratulations are in order Hon Mawathe and @WiperMovement. Godspeed," he said.