Wetang’ula: I will launch my 2017 presidential bid in Kakamega

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) co-principal Moses Wetang’ula has maintained that he will launch his presidential bid in Kakamega despite opposition from some ODM leaders.

The Bungoma Senator disclosed that CORD leader Raila Odinga and other coalition leaders would attend next Saturday’s event.

“Raila will be with me on that great day just as we were with (Wiper leader) Kalonzo Musyoka in Machakos some months ago. The rally is on regardless of the dissenting voices,” said Wetang’ula.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya had said recently that Kakamega was not a “shopping mall where everybody comes to launch their presidential bid”.

But speaking in Kakamega after meeting Ford Kenya leaders and the Luhya council of elders yesterday, Wetang’ula insisted the launch would be held in the town. “Kakamega is symbolic for any politician in western. It is the capital city for Mulembe nation,” he said.

During the meeting, Wetang’ula was endorsed as Ford Kenya’s presidential candidate, with the political outfit maintaining that it would field a presidential candidate in the 2017 elections.

“We have deliberated on many issues with party members from the 12 constituencies in Kakamega County. I am optimistic the journey is ripe and the Mulembe nation desires to have its own as president,’’ he said.

Oparanya, who is ODM’s deputy party leader, had insisted that Raila would be CORD’s presidential candidate. “He (Wetang’ula) has not informed me of the launch. But if he does and invites me, I will attend even though it is Raila who will be CORD’s flag bearer,” said Oparanya.

Oparanya’s sentiments were echoed by the Kakamega ODM branch leadership on Friday. Led by the branch vice chairperson Lucas Radol, the leaders accused Wetang’ula of bringing confusion in the coalition and asked him to launch his presidential bid elsewhere. “We read a sinister motive aimed at destabilising ODM in the county,” said Radol.

During the briefing, Wetang’ula confirmed that his Kakamega counterpart Boni Khalwale had received defectors from rival parties and pointed out that more defections would be witnessed in coming days. “Today, my brother and colleague Khalwale has also received several defectors. This shows the lion party is roaring and we shall field candidates in all elective posts in next year’s election,’’ said Wetang’ula.

Separately, Dr Khalwale announced that he would be contesting for the gubernatorial race on a Ford Kenya ticket in the next elections. “Today I officially announce that I will be the Kakamega Ford Kenya gubernatorial candidate next year. Those in ODM should not be worried as I will not be seeking the party’s candidature,’’ said Khalwale.

The senator dismissed critics opposed to Wetang’ula’s presidential launch and said any Kenyan is free to hold a rally anywhere in the country.

“Wetang’ula is a Kenyan citizen. I am also free to launch my candidature in any part of the country. We should all embrace him as our brother and support him,” said the bullfighter.