Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has hailed Jubilee party for fronting football star McDonald Mariga as its candidate for the Kibra by-election.
"We are lost for words to record our profound and sincere heartfelt gratitude to the Jubilee Party for nominating our young McDonald Mariga as the candidate for the by-election in Kibra Constituency. Twende kazi!" he said.
On Monday, the party's National Elections Board (NEB) approved Mariga's name, giving him the green light to fly the Jubilee flag in the much anticipated contest.
In a statement, the board termed Mariga as a man who has had a cordial relationship with Kibra residents, also lauding his character and credentials.
“I am pleased to announce that our vetting process has yielded a candidate of impeccable character and credentials, a person who has had an enduring connection with the people of Kibra,” the statement read as quoted by Standard.
The nomination elicited a lot of reaction from different individuals.
Renowned lawyer Donald Kipkorir said: "Kibra by-election should be litmus test on what kind of leaders we want. Do we elect MPs because they tell us they want to give back? Where have they been? In their careers earning Euros or Shs, how did they lift others up? Is it quantifiable? Empirical? Leadership is not gambling!"