Kibra MP Peter Orero on Thursday evening failed to show up for his own heavily publicised press briefing, raising eyebrows and fuelling speculation about his political standing in the constituency.
The press conference, scheduled for 5:30pm at his Karen residence, had been promoted aggressively by his team as a platform to respond to what Orero described as “misleading political narratives” from new entrants. But journalists who turned up were left waiting, with no explanation provided only to receive a scaring information.
_”Sorry guys the press conference cannot proceed over unavoidable reasons, have some snacks and leave on your time until we announce another presser plan,”_ the message read.
The no-show comes just hours after a high-profile press conference by a prominent Kibra-based CEO, who rejected politics of fear and division and insisted that smear campaigns would not deter him from engaging residents.
Speaking at a Nairobi hotel this evening , the CEO urged Kibra residents to embrace leadership anchored on unity, development, and accountability, declaring that the constituency was firmly his stronghold.
Political analysts say Orero’s absence sends a loud signal. _“ *In modern politics, showing up matters as much as the message itself. Failing to honour your own press briefing that targeted an opponent suggests the leader is already defeated”*_ said one observer familiar with Kibra politics.
Critics have also pointed out a communications misstep by Orero’s team, which had circulated strong statements ahead of the event, only for the narrative to collapse in real time.
In the past months , the CEO has been receiving some warm receptions from the Kibra Residents who have been urging him to unseat the incumbent.
More to follow…