Ford Kenya embarks on recruitment drive in Trans Nzoia

Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi receives several youths from DAP-K. [Osinde Obare, Standard]

Ford Kenya and Democratic Action of Kenya (DAP-K) are engaged in a political duel over the control of Trans Nzoia County.

DAP-K associated with former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa challenged Ford Kenya's dominance in the county after winning several seats in last year's General Election.

DAP-K secured two parliamentary seats, while Ford Kenya managed only one.

The Eugene-led party scooped seven MCA slots, with Ford Kenya managing only three. UDA took the lion's share with 12 while ODM secured three.

In what appears to be an onslaught against DAP-K's influence in the county, Ford Kenya has kicked off a recruitment drive targeting to win back some supporters who decamped to rival camps.

On Friday, Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi received several youths from DAP-K and announced plans to popularize and revitalize National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula's Ford Kenya party.

"We have started a serious campaign to popularize the party, and we are targeting the members we lost to other parties," said Wanyonyi.

The MP who was accompanied by regional party officials said they have put in place strategies to restore the party's popularity in the county.

"We have put in place strategies to restore the party's dominance in the region," he said.

DAP-K executive director Dan Wafula dismissed the defection of youths to Ford Kenya as inconsequential and maintained that the party's growing popularity is unstoppable.

"Ford Kenya is to blame for the failed development in the county, and many people do not want to be associated with it. This is the reason why DAP-K is going strong in the county," Wafula claimed.

The development comes at a time when other political parties are also on an overdrive to consolidate their support.