Wetangula to defend Bungoma County seat, party announces

Bugoma Senator Moses Wetangula has been given the go ahead to defend his seat come August 8, with Ford Kenya officials confirming that he has been given a direct nomination for the position.

Led by Bungoma County party boss Peter Wakhuleka, party members stated that Wetangula, who is a National Super Alliance (NASA) co-principal, will be on the ballot come election day.

Adding that they will forward Wetangula’s name to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Monday, the Ford Kenya officials refuted claims that Bungoma Senator would sit out the elections.

When NASA unveiled it’s 2017 lineup in April, Wetangula was listed as the Deputy Premier CS responsible for Economic Sector Coordination – an announcement that prompted sections of the public to think that the Ford Kenya boss would forfeit his slot on the ballot.

The leaders said that having the highest number of elective leaders is in the best interest of the party.

Vote of no confidence?

A section of Jubilee Party members have read this move as a vote of no confidence in NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s win.

Bungoma County Senatorial ticket holder Dr. Juma Mukhwana expressed these sentiments, additionally taking a swipe at the Ford Kenya leader’s political moves in recent months.

“I’ve heard today that after going to and fro, my brother Wetangula has decided that he would like to vie for the Senatorial seat. I’d like to welcome him to the race, as democracy is competitive,” Dr Mukhwana said.

“That said, my brother Wetangula and other leaders – amongst then Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi – should stop misleading the people of Western Kenya. He (Wetangula) already knows that Raila Odinga will not win in August, and that is why he is scampering for this seat,” the Jubilee candidate added.

He went on to allege that Wetangula is unfit for leadership as he has proven to be indecisive, noting that the Ford Kenya leader had initially indicated that he wanted to vie for presidency before stating that he would be a part of the Raila Odinga-led pentagon.

He added that the NASA co-principle’s renewed interest in the senatorial seat was proof that Wetangula was only looking out for his best interest, not for the best interest of the people.

Reported by: Kaitano Nyongesa and Cheptai Namisi