COUNTY POLITICS: Bungoma senatorial race attracts few aspirants as Wetang’ula goes for presidency

As the only National Super Alliance (Nasa) principal in the Senate, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula espouses the stance of the Opposition.

While he has lost in most cases trying to rally Opposition lawmakers against Jubilee’s tyranny of numbers, like recently during amendments on electoral laws, he says his impact has been felt in the House.

He is the only member of the quartet of Mr Raila Odinga (ODM), Mr Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Mr Musalia Mudavadi in Nasa elected in the 2013 polls.

Mr Wetang’ula, also the Senate minority leader, is in the race to become the country’s president, a break from the overwhelming number of senators who have declared interest in the governorship.

“My performance in the Senate has been sterling. If you asked those in Jubilee, Prof Kithure Kindiki or Senator Kiraitu Murungi, they will tell you the backbone of that Senate especially on debate on any issue is the Bungoma senator. That’s an issue where there is no divided opinion,” said Mr Wetang’ula.

The senator had to seek fresh mandate from the people about eight months after the March 4 polls after the courts annulled his victory. Running against former minister Musikari Kombo, he recaptured the seat with a huge margin.

PRIORITISED THEM

Whenever there are national emergencies that need the country’s attention, he said he had been at hand to ensure the House prioritised them.

His relationship with the county government headed by Governor Ken Lusaka has been unpleasant. Like the majority of the senators, they do not get along with the county chief he accuses of promoting graft.

In the same measure, Mr Lusaka has no kind words for the 60-year-old former Foreign Affairs minister.

MCAs have applauded the senator for his role in increasing fund allocation to the county. Assembly minority leader, Mr Ali Mutoka, said Mr Wetang’ula had pushed for the increased allocation to cater for development projects.

“He has found time to address the assembly. This is a positive indication that he is working for our good,” he said.

Taking a swipe at both the governor and senator, the Maraka MCA said wrangling between them was not good for the growth of the county. Assembly Speaker John Makali also faulted the two, saying they should work together.

The seat, which remains largely unattractive across the country, has three aspirants who want to take over from Mr Wetang’ula. Veteran journalist David Makali, Commission for University Education deputy CEO Juma Mukhwana and a former county chief officer for Tourism Evans Fwamba have announced their bids.

NEW LEADERS

It is not the first time Mr Makali is trying his hand at the senatorial bid. In 2013, he faced off with Mr Kombo of Jubilee and Mr Bifwoli Wakoli. Mr Makali is said to gravitating towards Nasa.

He says the county needs new committed leaders untainted by corruption to tap its rich potential. “I will create opportunities for the youth,” he said.

Mr Mukhwana vied for the Kanduyi parliamentary seat in 2007 but lost to Mr Alfred Khang’ati of ODM.

“I’m determined to replace Mr Wetang’ula who is going for the bigger seat. I’m vying on a Jubilee Party ticket and I’m optimistic of beating other contenders,” he said.

Mr Fwamba banks on his youthfulness to replace Mr Wetang’ula.

“I want to inject new blood into the senatorial race. I’m asking the youth, women and everyone to support my bid. I’m also looking at a broader partnership that will help change our economy,” he said.

Mr Philip Wanyonyi, a human rights activist, said it will be a tall order for the aspirants to clinch the seat were Mr Wetang’ula to defend it. “They can’t compete with a shrewd politician like the Ford-Kenya party leader,” he said.