Former Minister Samuel Poghisio to vie for Senate seat

Former Minister in the Ministry of Information and Communications Samuel Poghisio has expressed interest in running for the West Pokot Senate seat in the 2017 elections.

Speaking on Monday, Poghisio said that he would work with the current Senator John Lonyangapuo who is gunning for the governorship position.

“We want to unite with Lonyangapuo so that we can walk together to ensure he becomes governor and I senator,” he said.

He called on the people of West Pokot to have their own political party in a bid to ensure they are recognised in the political circles.

“Even during Jubilee merger in Nairobi, you will realise that leaders of the parties got recognition during the formation of Jubilee,” said Poghisio.

“We will take a party and own it and that is the only way we will get recognition from other parties.”

He said that leaders like West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin did not get slots because they did not join Jubilee with a political party.

Speaking at the same event, Lonyangapuo accused Jubilee of “stealing” Kanu colours saying it signifies a lack of originality.

He called on the people of West Pokot to stay in KANU saying it is the only party that has remained in the Jubilee Coalition, in accordance to the 2013 post-election pact.

“You will be respected if you stick together. There is a public university in Turkana and not in Baringo or Elgeyo Marakwet. It is not about the votes,” he said.

Baringo Speaker William Kamket called on all leaders who have defected from Kanu to Jubilee to “return home” saying there is always space in the party for defectors.