Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka denies he plans to ditch Jubilee

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka (right) and Deputy President William Ruto during a recent meeting in Tongaren. Mr Lusaka has dismissed claims that he plans to quit Jubilee and join the opposition. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Governor Lusaka said the reports are being circulated by his political opponents.
  • He said he has no intention of joining the opposition.
  • Reports on WhatsApp social groups had indicated the Bungoma county chief was headed to Nasa.
  • Mr Lusaka said he will be spearheading Jubilee campaigns in western Kenya.

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that he plans to ditch the Jubilee coalition for the opposition.

Mr Lusaka, a key Jubilee point man in western Kenya, said the reports are being spread by his political opponents.

Speaking to the Nation after arriving from China, the county chief said he has no intention of joining the opposition.

The governor expressed confidence the Jubilee Party would clinch the presidency easily in the August polls.

“I have just returned to the country from China and I’m surprised by reports indicating I’m planning to defect to the National Super Alliance (Nasa).

“Let those spreading the rumour know I made an informed decision to join Jubilee and I have no regrets about it,” said Mr Lusaka.

COMMUNIST PARTY

Governor Lusaka was among 19 Jubilee officials who travelled to China to familiarise themselves with the Communist Party’s structures and manifesto.

He described the trip as fruitful.

Those on the trip included officials of parties that merged to form the Jubilee Party.

Reports on WhatsApp groups had indicated the Bungoma county chief was heading to Nasa after running into political headwinds in Jubilee.

The western region has been coalescing under Nasa, which largely revolves around key opposition leaders from the region led by Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula.

Mr Lusaka said he will be spearheading Jubilee campaigns in western Kenya and added that the party is gaining popularity in the region due to the development initiatives of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.