Eugene Wamalwa’s party stares at leadership wrangles
Eugene Wamalwa, the leader of New Ford-Kenya. FILE PHOTO |
What you need to know:
- An NEC member dismisses calls for nomination of Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka.
- Leader says it is the NEC that will choose party boss.
Cracks have started emerging in New Ford-Kenya on who to succeed Mr Eugene Wamalwa as party leader.
A section of the party’s National Executive Council has opposed plans to make Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka the New Ford-Kenya chief.
President Uhuru Kenyatta last week nominated Mr Wamalwa as the Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary.
According to the Constitution, Mr Wamalwa will relinquish his position as party chairman and concentrate on running his ministry.
New Ford Kenya Youth League Chairman and NEC member, Evans Mangoli, said it was too early to make succession calls on the party spokesperson’s position.
He criticised calls by another NEC member, Julius Bakasa, who floated Governor Lusaka’s name, and said a meeting would be held to decide on who to lead the party.
Mr Bakasa said the Bungoma governor had a strong backing of the NEC and party members.
However, Mr Mangoli said it was wrong for some members to begin floating names when the NEC had not convened a meeting.
“Statements by some party members should be ignored and treated as political because they are not speaking on behalf of the NEC or the party,” he said.
CAMPAIGNS WRONG
In a statement sent to the media, Mr Mangoli criticised the plan to have Mr Lusaka nominated as party leader without approval from the decision-making organ of New Ford Kenya party.
He added that it was wrong for leaders to use their positions to start campaigning for the vacant party leader position.
“It is unfortunate that some leaders, who have never worked together or closely with the party NEC, now want to use their power to take over the party leadership. The NEC will meet to discuss and choose who will replace Mr Wamalwa,” Mr Mangoli said.
He added that the NEC would pick a leader who has been working closely with the party.
He also criticised Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale who termed Mr Wamalwa’s job as clerical.
Senator Khalwale said Mr Wamalwa’s nomination to the Cabinet was meant to woo residents of western Kenya to support the ruling Jubilee Coalition.
“It is unfortunate that leaders like Dr Khalwale are using the appointment of Mr Wamalwa for their political interests. His remarks during the burial of Prof George Eshiwani on Saturday show that he lacks integrity,” Mr Mangoli added.
