Kibra race proves money cannot buy leadership - Imran Okoth

IEBC on Friday morning officially declared ODM candidate Imran Okoth as Kibra MP-elect.

In his speech shortly after being handed his certificate by returning officer Beatrice Muli, Imran said his victory showed money cannot buy leadership.

"I want to say thank you to Kibra residents who voted overwhelmingly and showed that money cannot buy leadership. Even if we are poor in Kibra, the people here know what they want," Imran said.

He thanked his party and its leadership led by Raila Odinga for standing with him throughout his journey from the time he secured the orange ticket.

The MP-elect declared himself the first child of the handshake and he will use his new position to unite Kenyans.

Imran also thanked the leadership of other parties for throwing their weight behind his candidature saying Kibra residents had refused to be divided along party and ethnic lines.

In Imran's last rally, Raila was joined by Governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni), Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Charity Ngilu (Kitui) and James Ongwae of Kisii to rally support for the orange candidate.

Imran also drew support from a section of Jubilee leaders led by nominated MP Maina Kamanda, Nairobi Assembly Speaker Beatrice Elachi and former MP Dennis Waweru.

Imran said he will serve Kibra residents with all his heart without corruption, fear or favour.

"What is now left is for me to go to parliament, be sworn-in and start working for my constituents, " Imran said.

He said development in Kibra can only be achieved through unity.

"Even if you did not vote for me, come and let us unite for development," he added to the wild cheers of his supporters.

Results from the 183 polling stations showed Imran secured victory with 24, 636 votes with Mariga coming in second with 11, 230 votes.

ANC's Eliud Owalo came in third with 5, 275 votes with Ford Kenya's Khamisi Butichi coming in a distant fourth with 260 votes.

The total votes cast was 41, 984 against a registered number 118, 658 votes representing a 35.38% voter turnout. 

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