Tread carefully, Wetang’ula warned over 2017

The recent endorsement of Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula by Pokot leaders to run for the presidency has sparked speculation in Western Kenya, the political bedrock of the Opposition CORD.

Observers are asking Wetang'ula to take the endorsement with a pinch of salt, warning that it could be a scheme by the Jubilee Alliance to divide CORD ahead of the 2017 elections.

They are questioning why elders from Pokot, a region that has supported Deputy President William Ruto, could back Wetang'ula for the top seat when President Uhuru Kenyatta and the DP will be flying the Jubilee flag once again.

Analysts say there is a scheme to wreck CORD and the endorsement of Wetang'ula by Jubilee-friendly quarters could be the first missile hurled by the ruling alliance.

Last week at Wetang'ula’s Kanduyi home, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto led a delegation of more than 100 elders to endorsed the senator’s presidential bid in 2017.

“We cannot trust the Pokot endorsement. Wetang'ula should treat it with a lot of suspicion. They could be on hire. The idea is to facilitate division within CORD and make the senator break ranks with co-principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka,” says Prof Edward Kisiangani, a lecturer and political analyst.

He says Jubilee is desperate to see CORD divided. During the visit, Moroto asked the Luhya community to rally behind Wetang'ula as they seek support from other parts of the country. “The Luhya community must unite first and seek support from other communities if they wish to lead this country in 2017. Persistent wrangling will work to your disadvantage,” said Moroto.

However, Kisiangani claims it would be difficult for Rift Valley and Central regions to back a presidential candidate from another region.

“It is difficult for Kikuyus and Kalenjins to abandon Uhuru and Ruto. Moroto’s move is a ploy. Wetangula’s presidential quest can sell in other regions but not the two. He can also get support in Ukambani if Kalonzo backs him,’’ Prof Kisiangani added.

But Wetangula welcomed the endorsement and described his relationship with the Pokot as mutual, dating back to 1992, when he was first nominated to Parliament.

“I am thankful for your support as I prepare my 2017 presidential race. I know it is a tough game full of roadblocks but with your support, I am optimistic and ready to take the mantle. Once I succeed, you will be the biggest beneficiaries,” said Wetang’ula.

Referendum push

Wetang'ula used the occasion to appeal to the Pokot community to support the CORD referendum push dubbed ‘Okoa Kenya’.

“Once the referendum sails through, it’s counties like Pokot that will be the biggest beneficiaries having been marginalised for long by past regimes,’’ added the senator.

Prof Kisiangani argues that Wetangula’s chances of being supported by the Luhya community are high and says the region still regrets the political miscalculations made by former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi and New Ford Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa.

“Wetang'ula has a bigger advantage over Mudavadi and Wamalwa in his bid to ascend to the presidency. The two made serious political mistakes and they no longer command respect in the region. They were presidential material but betrayed their community and have to start afresh,” said the analyst.

Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi said it was time for the Luhya community to back their own in 2017 instead of always voting for “outsiders” who later ignore them in government and appointments. “We have a duty to support our own. We cannot act as if we are strangers yet we are the second largest community. Let’s support Wetang’ula because he has shown he is a capable leader,” said Wanyonyi.

Prof Kisiangani argues the fact that the three CORD principals have presidential ambitions is a tricky matter for the coalition.

“Raila, Kalonzo and Wetang'ula are together as a result of political fate. They all want to be in the ballot and when that decision is made, they will split. Raila is in dilemma because the two backed him in the 2013 elections,” he adds. “Wetangula has declared his presidency ambitions because he expects to be endorsed for the top seat in 2017. If this fails he also has the options of working with other coalitions, already there is no indication that he will get support from Raila’s backers,’’ said Kisiangani. Patrick Wangamati, Nominated Ford-Kenya MP, noted it’s time for the Luhya to back their own and be united as they seek the top seat.

“Let us unite and seek support from other communities in our presidential bid in the next General Election. Even the marginalised communities have a right to be represented and contest for presidency,’’ said Wangamati.