Soccer star McDonald Mariga is one of the 13 aspirants Jubilee will on Monday interview as the party's flag bearer in the November 7 Kibra by-election.
“We will have the interview conducted by the national elections board and then announce the results through the party channels,” Jubilee communications director Albert Memusi on Sunday.
Traditionally, flag bearers are either picked during party primaries or chosen directly. However, the Jubilee constitution provides three options for picking a flagbearer – interviews, party primaries and direct selection.
Others who have applied to carry the Jubilee party flag in the by-election include Morris Peter Kinyanjui, Mukinyingi Walter Trenk, Said Ibrahim and Doreen Nangame Khayanga Wasike.
"The deadline for application was close of business on Friday, August 30, 2019, to pave the way for the party's nomination," a source told the Star.
The candidates' names are contained in a letter signed by the secretary-general Raphael Tuju to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“The process is being handled by the national elections board under chairman Andrew Musangi,” Jubilee secretary-general Raphael Tuju said.
Other NEB officials are Samuel Kobia, Leah Ntimama, Michael Waweru, Abdalla Hamisi, Aden Noor, Vesca Kagongo and Samuel Nyangweso.
Most NEB officials declined to comment. The chairperson and deputy had not responded to our inquiries by press time.
The candidate who scores the highest marks in the interview is expected to face off with ANC candidate Eliud Owalo and the yet to be named ODM candidate in what is expected to be a three-horse race.
ANC is led by former deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi and ODM by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
"People in Kibra will be looking at someone who can deliver. I have the solutions, which include starting an enterprising culture, ensuring they access social amenities and building a united society," Owalo said during his unveiling last week.
Among those battling for the ODM ticket are former MCA Pius K’Otieno, ODM national youth coordinator Benson Musungu and Imran Okoth (former MP Ken Okoth's brother).
