ODM leader Raila Odinga called former Embakasi South MP Irshad Sumra and congratulated him for the efforts be had put in the closely contested polls, it has emerged.
In the race that saw NASA affiliates flex muscles, Julius Mawathe of Wiper cruised to victory, beating Irshad Sumra with over 13,000 votes in a race that was preceeded by alleged voter bribery.
But in his concession speech long before official results were announced, Sumra said 'maybe his efforts were not good enough but Raila called to congratulate him for good efforts'.
“I had also planned well but I guess my finishing was poor. So, I will work with Mr Mawathe since he has won this contest fair and square,” he said.
And added: “My party leader also called and congratulated me for my input in the by-elections. However, Nasa hasn’t lost because we have been both first and second in the contest. I also want to convey my sincere appreciation to my party leader Mr Odinga for having faith in me and giving me the mantle in the contest."
The defeat came moments after ODM party had suffered another humiliation at Ugenya parliamentary by-elections where MDG's David Ochieng' floored ODM's Chris Karan to mark a somber weekend for the orange party.
Orange Democratic Movement party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna also conceded that the party had a poor outing, adding that be looks forward for better results in future.
"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," said the youthful leader.