Headache for Raila, Wetang’ula in Bungoma as allies clash

From right: Ford Kenya Bungoma gubernatorial candidate Wycliffe Wangamati, Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, Party leader Moses Wetang'ula, Kakamega senator Bonnie Khalwale and Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinnyi during a past rally at Mayuba, Sirisia in Bungoma county. FILE PHOTO | TITUS OTEBA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Bungoma gubernatorial hopeful Alfred Khanga’ati has threatened to support Jubilee candidate in the race if Nasa does not pick him.

This follows a war of words between the former internal security assistant minister and Ford Kenya’s Wycliffe Wangamati as they battle for the National Super Alliance (Nasa) ticket to kick out Governor Ken Lusaka.

Mr Wangamati, an ally of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has threatened to support the re-election of Mr Luasaka (Jubilee Party) if Nasa insists on joint nominations for the seat.

But the flamboyant businessman wants Mr Khang’ati to support him in the joint nominations to be held today.

“Ai m older and experienced in matters politics. Wangamati is a greenhorn who should first seek to be elected as an MCA or MP before setting his eyes on the gubernatorial seat if he thinks of winning,” said Mr Khang’ati.

Speaking at a burial ceremony in Tembelela village in Sang’alo division, the former Kanduyi MP told Mr Wangamati to drop out of the race and instead support him.

“If Nasa insists on a joint nomination and they settle on Wangamati I will definitely support Mr Lusaka. Better the devil you know than the angel you don’t know…Wangamati is unknown in Bungoma politics and he might be the worst leader,” he said.

However, Mr Wangamati, a flamboyant businessman, has dismissed Mr Khang’ati saying he is the only candidate with the ability to unseat Mr Lusaka.

“Let Khang’ati accept that he can’t beat Lusaka, let him support my bid so that we can unseat the current governor,” said Mr Wangamati.

Mr Khang’ati vied for the seat in 2013 but was trounced by Mr Lusaka and his former Kanduyi constituency easily taken by Wafula Wamunyinyi.

Mr Wangamati is the only Ford Kenya gubernatorial candidate after Mr Stephen Mutoro, the Consumer Federation of Kenya Secretary General, joined Musalia Mudavadi-led Amani National Congress (ANC).