MPs Chris Wamalwa, Eseli Simiyu almost trade blows in Ford Kenya poll wrangle
From left: Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang'ula and Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu during a past function. On Monday, differences between Mr Wamalwa and Mr Simiyu over party primaries led to an ugly confrontation. FILE PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- A source said Dr Wamalwa was angered by Dr Simiyu who had advised against criticising Mr Khaemba.
- Dr Wamalwa said he would not be cowed by anybody.
- It took the intervention of party leader Moses Wetang’ula to reconcile the two.
- Another Ford Kenya faction led by activist Ken Wafula stormed party offices to demand for primaries.
Differences between Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and his Tongaren counterpart Eseli Simiyu led to an ugly confrontation in Kitale Monday.
The two have differed on how Ford Kenya party should handle its primaries.
Last week, Dr Wamalwa was endorsed by some party officials for the governor’s seat, currently held by Mr Patrick Khaemba, who is also a party member.
A source said Dr Wamalwa was angered by Dr Simiyu who had advised against criticising Mr Khaemba.
The Kiminini MP told his him not to cross from Bungoma to lecture him on what to do “just because you are the party secretary-general”.
Dr Wamalwa said he would not be cowed by anybody.
“We never fought as reported but I differed with my colleague over poking holes at Governor Khaemba’s track record,” he said.
It took the intervention of party leader Moses Wetang’ula to reconcile the two.
Trans Nzoia Ford Kenya chairman Ferdinand Wanyonyi said the issues causing bad blood between his team and the governor were solved during the meeting with Senator Wetang’ula.
As the meeting was taking place, another Ford Kenya faction led by activist Ken Wafula stormed party offices to demand for primaries.
“Senator Wetang’ula should not bury his head in the sand when he knows all is not well. Party primaries cannot be postponed forever,” Mr Wafula said.
