Anangwe to contest Kakamega governor’s seat on Jubilee ticket
Former Butere MP Amukowa Anangwe. He has indicated that he will contest for the Kakamega governor's seat. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Prof Anangwe served as MP for Butere from 1997 to 2002 on Kanu ticket and quit politics for the academia after he lost to Wycliffe Oparanya, now Kakamega governor.
- Dr Khalwale, who declared he will be challenging the incumbent on Ford Kenya ticket, has asked voters in the county to give him a chance to serve them after the 2017 polls.
- However, Mr Oparanya has said he is not afraid of facing Dr Khalwale at the ballot since he was confident Kakamega residents would give him another chance to complete projects he had initiated.
The battle for the Kakamega governor’s seat is set to intensify after former Butere MP Amukowa Anangwe indicated that he will run for the seat.
Prof Anangwe, a political science lecturer at Dodoma University in Tanzania, said he was still consulting widely on the matter before making a formal announcement.
“I have been going around the county to gauge the mood of the people and speak to them about my plans to contest the seat on a Jubilee ticket and I’m encouraged by the positive response I have received so far,” said Prof Anangwe on Tuesday on phone.
The entry of Prof Anangwe in the contest is likely to up stakes and complicate the battle for the seat that has attracted several other candidates.
Prof Anangwe served as MP for Butere from 1997 to 2002 on Kanu ticket and quit politics for the academia after he lost to Wycliffe Oparanya, now Kakamega governor.
Those in the race include Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and former county executive for Social Services Rtd Major Suleiman Sumba.
Dr Khalwale, who declared he will be challenging the incumbent on Ford Kenya ticket, has asked voters in the county to give him a chance to serve them after the 2017 polls.
“I have nothing personal against Governor Oparanya but I have decided to challenge him for failing to be accountable to those who elected him into office,” Dr Khalwale told mourners at Shiswa village in Shinyalu constituency on Tuesday.
He said the decision by Mr Oparanya to move to the High Court to block the Senate from summoning him to respond to audit queries raised by the Auditor General in the 2013/2014 report was unacceptable.
“Residents of Kakamega need a governor who is accountable to them and given my 20 years in politics, I’m prepared to offer leadership that will promote transparency in the manner in which county resources are utilized,” said Dr Khalwale.
The senator has been involved in a tussle with Mr Oparanya who has accused him of lacking a development agenda and engaging in confrontational politics.
NOT AFRAID
However, Mr Oparanya has said he is not afraid of facing Dr Khalwale at the ballot since he was confident Kakamega residents would give him another chance to complete projects he had initiated.
“I want my supporters to know that I have no time for making noise in funerals and insulting my opponents. The people of Kakamega will decide who is better qualified to steer the county when the time comes,” said Mr Oparanya.
Last week, the High Court restrained the Senate from summoning the county chief or ordering for his arrest until the determination of the matter he filed before Justice George Odunga is determined.
