Speculation as Wetang’ula puts off launch of presidential bid in 2017 elections

The postponement of the launch of Moses Wetang’ula’s presidential bid in Kakamenga has contributed to speculation that his attempt to seek CORD’s nomination was being resisted by others in the opposition coalition.

The Bungoma senator’s allies said he moved the event from this weekend to next month, because CORD co-principal Raila Odinga, who was expected to be among the chief guests, would be out of the country.

Wetang’ula (pictured) has himself not given an official explanation about why the event was put off. But the fact that Raila and the other CORD co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka have stated that they will also seek the coalition’s presidential nomination has invited speculation from the coalition’s supporters. Some CORD officials in Kakamega said yesterday that the senator had been forced to bring on board the local CORD leadership because they had been opposed to the launch. “He will have to work with local ODM and Ford Kenya officials led by Governor Wycliffe Oparanya to make the event successful,” said a Ford Kenya official.

Wetang’ula has insisted that Kakamega is the central place that unifies the Luhya community. “Muliro Gardens is a symbolic ground for the Mulembe nation and the launch is for Ford Kenya presidential candidate. We have partners in ODM and Wiper party whom we have invited,’’ said the Ford Kenya party boss.

But Oparanya, who is also ODM deputy party leader, has said in the past that Kakamega is not a shopping mall where people launch their presidential ambitions. The County Government has also insisted that Muliro Gardens, which is under renovation, will not be available. And on Thursday, ODM leaders in Kakamega asked the Bungoma senator to launch his presidential bid in Nairobi. “We wish the Bungoma Senator well in his quest for presidency but vying for presidency is something national. Wetang’ula should therefore launch his bid in Nairobi. If he finds Nairobi unsuitable, he should launch his bid in Bungoma town since it is his home and it is also where his Ford Kenya party enjoys support,” said ODM Kakamega Secretary General Rodgers Wakhisi. Raila’s Spokesman, Dennis Onyango, confirmed that the former Premier would be travelling abroad either today or tomorrow.