Deputy Governor leads charge to oust Wetang’ula

Three hopefuls are seeking to unseat Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula in the August elections.

Deputy Governor Charles Ngome, journalist Advice Mundalo and local politician Machacha Machembe Mapangulula have thrown their hats in the ring.

Mapangulula was once a personal assistant to former Westlands MP Fred Gumo

Prof Ngome, who has since decamped to the United Democratic Alliance, has vowed to give Wetang’ula a run for his money.

According to Ngome, Wetang’ula has outlived his “political usefulness in the county”.

He was among masterminds of the botched coup in Ford Kenya and believes he has what it takes to edge out Wetang’ula through the ballot.

“I am focused on becoming the second senator of Bungoma and we are determined to put up a fight and trounce Wetang’ula and the other opponents on August 9,” Ngome told The Standard on Sunday.

He argued that the county is underdeveloped yet Wetang’ula has been in government for many years.

But insiders say Ngome could have taken the decision after realising his boss, Wycliffe Wangamati, was not keen on retaining him as a running mate.

They disclosed that Wangamati has been scouting for a running mate from the vast Mount Elgon constituency, which is dominated by Sabaot community.

Mundalo, currently a communication consultant, is banking on the support of youthful voters.

He said Wetang’ula has already declared he will be running for president “so the seat is vacant and I believe I can fit in that shoe if elected.”

Mundalo has not announced the political party he prefers but he has been linked to the new National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA), which is affiliated with ODM chief Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja.

Mapangulula is contemplating vying as an independent candidate.

 The senator has not declared whether he will be defending the seat.