Nominated MP Maina Kamanda on Thursday defended his decision to back ODM candidate for Kibra by-election Mr Imran Okoth, terming him a 'Jubilee candidate'.
Kamanda's shocking move came barely 12 hours after his party leader President Uhuru Kenyatta for the first time publicly endorsed retired footballer McDonald Mariga for the seat.
In his address on Wednesday, Uhuru pledged personal support in campaigns, adding that he will ensure campaigns are conducted in a free and fair manner.
But Kamanda, who termed his decision 'personal', said Kibra constituency is an ODM stronghold, adding that Mr Imran Okoth is the handshake candidate.
“Kibra is the stronghold of ODM. We have field a candidate as Jubilee, the candidate was put there by Jubilee, but as a person, I will be with the [candidate] that has been nominated by ODM,” Mr Kamanda said.
“I call him ‘handshake candidate’ and there are so many other members of parliament who want to come and support him, just for one reason: That we have enjoyed peace in our country and we do not want that peace to be thrown out by a few people who do not want to see that we have achieved so much,” Mr Kamanda told journalists.
The veteran Nairobi politician is currently leading campaigns against Deputy President William Ruto, who is believed to have prevailed upon McDonald Mariga to contest.
In what could be a looming coalition between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, the latter's spokesman Dennis Onyango, hinted future partnerships after Kamanda's visit.
"What’s happening is that Handshake has a candidate in Kibra. It will have in future elections too," Mr Onyango said without giving much details.
Mr Kamanda is one of close allies of President Uhuru Kenyatta. More often than not, Uhuru consults him when taking serious political decisions including general governance.
While Mariga's chances at Kibra could be minimal, the platform could provide DP William Ruto a chance to measure his capabilities in the city against ODM leader Raila Odinga.