Ford-Kenya, ANC leaders differ on proposed merger
What you need to know:
- Ford-Kenya deputy party leader Boni Khalwale has suggested ANC boss Musalia Mudavadi should be the overall leader, other officials have rejected the proposal.
Ford-Kenya secretary-general Eseli Simiyu has rejected Dr Khalwale’s proposal, saying party members have not done enough consultations.
ANC secretary-general Godfrey Osotsi has especially taken a dim view of the proposed merger, calling it wishful thinking and a proposal that is not based on any ideology.
Cracks have emerged among the leaders of Ford-Kenya and Amani National Congress on how to pick top officials when the two parties merge.
The two parties have indicated they could soon merge in preparation for the next general elections.
While Ford-Kenya deputy party leader Boni Khalwale has suggested ANC boss Musalia Mudavadi should be the overall leader based on his experience and seniority in politics, other officials have rejected the proposal.
Ford-Kenya secretary-general Eseli Simiyu has rejected Dr Khalwale’s proposal, saying party members have not done enough consultations.
“We have not effectively consulted on the merger and we should not get ahead of ourselves at this early stage,” Dr Simiyu said.
LUHYA UNITY
Dr Simiyu’s sentiments have been supported by ANC secretary-general Godfrey Osotsi who also rejected the suggestion that Mr Mudavadi be given the mandate to lead the proposed alliance.
Dr Simiyu and Mr Osotsi said the alliance was still in the formative stage and matters to do with leadership have not been discussed by the two parties.
Mr Osotsi has especially taken a dim view of the proposed merger, calling it wishful thinking and a suggestion that is not based on any ideology. He says the merger is being pushed by a few individuals with selfish political motives.
2022 PRESIDENCY
He said the merger lacks a clear long-term agenda and a wider membership of the two parties is yet to be consulted and involved.
“The said merger has nothing to do with Luhya unity,” he said.
Dr Khalwale censured Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli’s remarks during Labour Day celebrations when he called for amendment of the constitution to give Mr Kenyatta a new leadership position after the expiry of his second in 2022.
The former Kakamega Senator said Mr Atwoli is forsaking his own community in favour of President Kenyatta for the 2022 leadership.
“There is no hurry to change the constitution to reward a few individuals with leadership positions. Mr Kenyatta should run away from this proposal if he wants to leave a legacy behind,” Dr Khalwale said.
