Leadership wrangles rock ANC Kakamega branch
Western
By
Jackline Inyanji
| Apr 02, 2024
Fresh leadership wrangles have erupted in Amani National Congress (ANC) party, Kakamega branch.
A faction led by Shikomari-Shinoi-Esumeiya Ward representative Bonface Akosi has sharply differed with one led by two county officials, Godfrey Minoti and Ruth Ombayo who are opposed to changes in branch leadership.
ANC Members of County Assembly (MCAs) had earlier handpicked Akosi as the new party chairman in Kakamega a move that has been opposed by some local officials.
Minoti and Ombayo said ANC members were not consulted before the MCAs picked Akosi as the party chairman.
READ MORE
Kenyans Okolla and Wasike put rivals on notice ahead of bouts
Meru dairy farmers upbeat as processor gets ISO certification
Smartphone brands push upgrades to protect market share
When fundamentals are stable but the patient is terrified
State goes after Russian who secretly recorded Kenyan women
EACC goes after Kaberia, Mwendwa over Sh330m in CHAN stadium scam
EACC sues to recover Sh330 million in CHAN stadium contract
Supporters of Opposition, Ruto clash in Taita Taveta
President will win in 2027 using same old bag of political tricks
Gachagua lost, Lamu Woman Rep gained from 'tutam' booing incident
Consequently, the officials have endorsed Tony Maleche as the acting ANC chairman, Kakamega branch. They have also unveiled a list of officials who will be in charge of the 12 constituencies in Kakamega county.
Earlier, the MCAs had endorsed Akosi as chairman and Niver Oluchiri (Nominated) as ANC secretary general in the county.
"MCAs who held a meeting were free to do so but they should not interfere with the party activities in the county," said Minoti.
He said decisions arrived at the MCAs caucus should not be forced on party members.
"We have no problems with the MCAs, let them focus on their mandate in the county assembly and give those who were elected to manage party issues at the county level to do their work," said Ombayo.
The leaders dismissed claims that ANC was on its deathbed saying the party was still strong.
"We listen to our party boss, Musalia Mudavadi and we are ready to follow him," said the leaders during a press briefing in Kakamega town yesterday.
Former ANC county executive secretary Isaac Otiende led some party officials and members in ditching the party after the 2022 polls.
Leadership wrangles at the ANC Kakamega branch have threatened to split the party.
The Standard could not immediately reach Akosi and Kakamega county assembly Minority Leader David Ndakwa for a comment on the ANC leadership.