Wetangula to go for Presidency in 2017

Kenya: Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula has announced that he will be in the race for presidency come 2017 General elections.

This emerged on Saturday during the party's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Elementaita, Nakuru.

According to party's Secretary General Dr. Eseli Simiyu Ford-Kenya will soon embark on recruitment drive to enlist more members and hold elections this year.

Wentangula's endorsement to run for presidency follows his CORD Co-Principal Kalonzo Musyoka's move last month during a Wiper Party convention held at a hotel in Elementaita.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has in the past also announced that he is open to run for presidency in 2017.

During the Wiper convention last month, National Chairman David Musila said the party would field a presidential candidate and seek for a running mate from other parties in the Cord coalition during the polls.

On Saturday, Dr.Simiyu said Wetangula who is the Bungoma Senator, has demonstrated that he has the capability to lead the Country and should be supported to achieve the cause.

"His leadership abilities indicate a man fit to steer country's political administration.We will do the groundwork in the meantime and put things to place.We are certain to change the leadership of this Nation come 2017," he said.

Mr Wetangula on his part said the long journey will culminate in the party wrestling the Country leadership from the Jubilee coalition which he says has failed Kenyans. He said Kenyans are yet to see the fruits of their manifesto three years on.

He said his leadership, if elected would be a departure from the past.He said that he was certain Kenyans who believe in change will support him.

Mr Wetangula said he will campaign across the Country as seeks the top post, and pointed out that the Luhya community where he hails from have always voted together.

" It is leaders who go different ways but our people have always remained united and we need to abide to their wishes" he said.

Last week, the New Ford Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa said that he will support Mr Wetangula for Presidency if he goes for the top seat.

Mr Wamalwa however was categorical that his support would be guaranteed as long as Wetangula will not later change his mind to support another person to contest for the Presidency.

Mr Simiyu said the party was concerned with the level of graft and impunity in the country and called on the newly appointed Inspector General Joseph Boinett and the Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery to act without bias in ending the menace.

" Swift action should be taken against the culprits and they should be brought to book without favour or fear," said Simiyu.

He said that insecurity remains a key challenge to the Jubilee administration and the vice should be brought to a stop.

Ford Kenya's move now means top leaders of CORD will face each other for the coalition ticket in 2017 as they look to form a formidable challenge to President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Alliance Party.

Wiper has also announced plans to strengthen the party ahead of the next general elections and announced new party officials led by Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar as Wiper's Secretary General.