Blow to Moses Wetang'ula as ally declares support for Ruto

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula in a past event on September 13, 2021 .[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Ford Kenya leader and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula suffered a setback after his ally declared support for Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential bid.

Kabuchai MP Joseph Majimbo Kalasinga joined the hustler bandwagon during the DP's tour of Bungoma County last Friday.

"You supported me a lot and I must reciprocate that gesture," Kalasinga told the DP while addressing residents at Chwele trading centre.

The MP's about-turn has sparked speculation on whether he has the blessings of his party boss who has on numerous occasions denied links to Ruto.

The MP claimed to have brought greetings from Wetang'ula.

"Our beloved DP Ruto let me tell you that you and Bungoma are one thing and we are ready to work with you in your quest to empower hustlers," he said.

But Wetangula's aide Wafula Wakoli dismissed Majimbo, saying that Ford Kenya had no plans of working with UDA.

"Ford Kenya party has mechanism and structures to do things and the sentiments by Majimbo that he had been sent by our party leader to tell Ruto that as a party we are supporting his hustler narrative are total lies," he said.

Wakoli said Ford Kenya was working with One Kenya Alliance.

"We want to say that those sentiments by Kalasinga were his own and not those of the Lion's party," he said.

He asked Ford Kenya members to rally behind Wetang'ula.

"Our party is firm under the able leadership of Wetang'ula and we are working with other leaders of Okoa Kenya."