In Bungoma gubernatorial contest, any result is possible

It is a battle of parties in Bungoma where a balanced governorship race is likely get any result. All the four candidates were picked directly by their parties, making it difficult to gauge their popularity before this year's General Election.

Governor Kenneth Lusaka of the Jubilee Party will face three aspirants from parties affiliated to the National Super Alliance (Nasa).

Also gunning for the seat are Consumers Federation of Kenya Secretary General Stephen Mutoro (ANC), businessman Wycliffe Wangamati (Ford-Kenya) and former assistant minister Alfred Khang’ati (ODM).

The most populous community in the cosmopolitan county is the Bukusu, followed by the Sabaot in Mt Elgon, Iteso, Tachoni (Webuye) and Batura (Bumula).

Mr Wangamati and Mr Lusaka have camped in Mt Elgon hunting for a running mate as Mr Khang’ati shops for a Teso professional while Mr Mutoro has kept his choice secret.

The Sabaot are often seen as the swing vote. On Wednesday, Mr Lusaka got a headstart when Saboti Council of Elders endorsed him to retain the seat.

But whether the governor will keep his deputy Hillary Chongwony, who is from Mt Elgon, is unclear after some elders accused him of failing to use his position to develop the area.

Mr Chongwony, however, dismissed the elders as “selfish” and said: “In fact, they are not elders but a cartel of old politicians looking for cheap tenders”.

Jubilee leaders, led by water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, have vowed to campaign vigorously for Mr Lusaka, even as his rivals declared Bungoma a “Nasa zone”.

WIN SEATS

Two months ago, the CS said he will lead the Jubilee troops in Bungoma and his Trans Nzoia turf to win seats for the ruling party.

“I will camp here to ensure Governor Lusaka retains his seat,” said Mr Wamalwa. “We’ll win the senatorial and woman rep seats. We can’t allow Opposition leaders to win anything here; Jubilee is very popular in Bungoma.”

Having faced numerous scandals, including the infamous procurement of Sh109,000 “non-carcinogenic” wheelbarrows, Mr Lusaka has launched a door-to-door campaign. He is, however, confident, saying his rivals will divide the Opposition vote.

“Despite teething problems, I have managed to tarmac roads that were in a sorry state, helped vulnerable farmers with free seeds and maize seeds at subsidised prices,” said Mr Lusaka. “I have also improved healthcare by equipping hospitals.”

The former permanent secretary said Jubilee had remained popular in the region after fulfilling its pledges and manifesto.

He gave credit to the Jubilee government for awarding a charter to Kibabii University, the only institution of higher learning in the county, which borders Uganda; the reopening of Rai Paper (formerly Pan Paper) factory in Webuye; and tarmacking of major roads.

He continued: “I have employed 2,000 ECD teachers, built nursery schools and hired polytechnic instructors ... my development record is visible.”

Mr Wangamati says if elected he will ensure fair distribution of resources and that “women and youth benefit from 30 per cent of tenders and contracts”.

'SECURE JOBS'

Said Mr Wangamati: “Youth have been sidelined by the current administration; they are jobless. It is time I got elected, so that I can secure jobs for youth, who are still languishing in poverty”.

He accused the Jubilee administration and Governor Lusaka of failure to honour their pledges.

Mr Wangamati said he will use his experience as a senior manager with local and international companies and as an investment consultant to transform the county. He has pledged to fight corruption.

A former Internal Security assistant minister in the Grand Coalition government, Mr Khang’ati has promised to deal firmly with graft, saying Mr Lusaka has failed to do so.

“Lusaka has employed unqualified people in his government who mainly campaigned for him,” said Mr Khang’ati, a former Kanduyi MP. “That is why corruption is rife and poor services are rendered.”

Mr Mutoro is also optimistic of emerging the winner, saying: “Owing to my experience of fighting for the poor in Cofek, I believe I can deliver for this county and ensure that we emerge number one in any rating”.

“At Cofek I have led efforts to defend consumers on digital migration, corruption, skewed public appointments, bank interest rates and other consumer rights,” said Mr Mutoro, who led Nairobi Central Business District Association and Kenya Alliance of Residents Associations for 16 years.