Wetang’ula, Wamalwa face off in mini-poll

Ford Kenya and New Ford Kenya rivalry has intensified with bigwigs from the two parties pitching tents at Matumbei ward in Trans Nzoia in by-election campaigns.

Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula and his New Ford Kenya rival Eugene Wamalwa have both marshalled their troops in yet another supremacy battle.

Mr Wetang’ula, who is also Bungoma senator, has dismissed claims that their move to field a candidate is a threat to Luhya unity and or that it diminishes chances for New Ford Kenya to recapture the seat.

“Why are they having a problem with us in Cord to field a candidate yet they have no trouble with their Jubilee partner, URP, which also has a candidate?” he asked.

Trans Nzoia women’s representative Janet Nangabo had termed the move by Ford Kenya to field a candidate as a threat to Luhya unity, saying they were limiting chances of New Ford Kenya to re-claim the seat.

GUNNING FOR PRESIDENCY
Ford Kenya’s Trans Nzoia secretary-general Martin Waliaula challenged the Wamalwa-led party to learn from other parts of the country where members of the same community have been facing off in elections on different party tickets.

“Let them learn from their Jubilee partners from central Kenya where not all of them were elected on a TNA ticket,” said Mr Waliaula.

Mr Wetang’ula called on the more than 9,000 voters in the ward to vote for his candidate, saying he needs strength as he guns for the presidency.

“A vote for our candidate is a pillar towards our grand journey to the presidency because charity begins at home,” he said at Kimwondo area.

Mr Wamalwa has brought together his party MCAs and MPs from Trans Nzoia and Bungoma Counties in the campaigns.

“We have no doubt in our minds that we will reclaim this seat. We challenge our opponents to prepare for the looming defeat,” Mr Wamalwa said.

Ex-cabinet minister Noah Wekesa has urged locals not to elect Opposition leaders.