Governor Lusaka warns Mt. Elgon against 'Ford-Kenya exploitation'

Bungoma County Governor Ken Lusaka has termed as "empty and hollow" the promises made recently to Mt Elgon residents by the Ford-Kenya gubernatorial aspirant Wycliffe Wangamati.

Speaking to the press in Webuye, Mr Lusaka said a governor has no powers to pick a county assembly speaker.

"My competitor should eat the humble pie out of the fact that he had previously hoodwinked the people of Mt Elgon that the deputy governor's seat would go to them," said Mr Lusaka.

In a rally in Mt Elgon, Mr Wangamati said that he would appoint a Sabaot to be the speaker of the county assembly besides recruiting more Sabaots in his government if he wins the gubernatorial race in August.

"I want to have a more inclusive government unlike the one of (Governor) Lusaka," Mr Wangamati said.

Critics say the Ford-Kenya gubernatorial candidate is facing it rough selling his candidacy in Mt Elgon, a region heavily associated with Jubilee, due to the fact that he failed to pick a Sabaot to be his running-mate. He instead picked Prof Charles Ngome, a Tachoni.

Ironically, Prof Ngome's wife-Hellen Maindi-has openly declared that she will not support Mr Wangamati, terming him "a politician who requires more time to mature in managing people and public resources".

According to Mr Lusaka, Mt Elgon has been transformed, and will continue enjoying the fruits of devolution due to his administration's desire to open up all areas of Bungoma County. He said Mt Elgon had for a long time been neglected yet the region has huge potential, particularly in agriculture and tourism.

"It is for this reason that I have opted to retain my running-mate-Hillary Chongwony. I would want to see more of the region's roads modernised. Homes and institutions connected to power as well as well as more health facilities launched," Mr Lusaka said.

Moreover, the Bungoma County Boss warned the people of Mt Elgon against associating with political tourists who are out there to exploit them.

"Sabaots know too well where their hearts beat. They know whom they will be voting for next month. As a matter of fact, they appreciate that Ford-Kenya is just after their votes then dump them. I do not want to see such a sad thing under my watch," he said.