Wetangula's deregistration was a plot by Jubilee to split Luhya votes, claim Bungoma residents

Residents of Bungoma are trying to come to terms with the fact that embattled Senator Moses Wetang’ula may be deregistered as a voter.

Wetang’ula’s supporters and the Cord high command have claimed this is a Jubilee plot aimed at locking Weta out of the 2017 general elections.

“This is total mischief. The subsequent election that Wetang’ula should have been barred was the December 2013 by-election which he contested and won. Why the turn of events now as we approach 2017 elections?” posed Ford Kenya Secretary General and Tongaren MP Dr Simiyu Eseli, who believes the issue is politically motivated.

Many argue that with Wetang’ula out of the way, Jubilee will benefit by splitting Luhya votes and destabilise the opposition coalition in which he is a co-principal.

Some have argued that should the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) get rid of Wetang’ula following allegations of voter bribery, a few individuals are bound to benefit in the region.

Some of the potential beneficiaries include Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi and the immediate former New Ford Kenya party leader and Water Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa. But political analyst Barrack Muluka says Mudavadi and Wamalwa need to battle on their own.

“I don’t think Mudavadi and Wamalwa can benefit from Wetang’ula’s fate. They have to succeed by using their own political fuel. This will make Cord stronger in Bungoma because of the sympathy votes,’’ notes Muluka, adding that, “This is a political matter that requires a political solution and political wisdom must carry the day. Truth be told, every politician bribes voters - those who win and those who lose,’’ observed Muluka.