As candidates for various seats prepare to present their documents to the independent electoral and boundaries commission ahead of the general election, the Bungoma County gubernatorial aspirant on Ford Kenya ticket Wycliffe Wangamati has received a boost after Tachoni council of elders seconded his choice of Professor Charles Ngome as his running mate.
In a press conference, the council of elders included Letia Wasilwa, Richard Namisi, Winson Nakitare, Bonee Wasike, Franklin Fuchaka and Eric Wambasi said proffessor Ngome is best suited for the position saying they are optimistic he will deliver.
Mr Wasilwa Sewekesa rubbished off some allegations being peddled against professor Ngome that labelled him as a non Tachoni, saying he hails from the Abasonge clan which he says is one of the thirty six clans of the Tachoni community hence a pure Tachoni.
He disclosed that the Tachoni community has not benefitted from the leadership of the current governor Kenneth Lusaka despite being uncled in the Tachoni community saying they decided to change their support with the aim of focusing on the community to achieve development equitably in the County.
Furthermore, he added that being in a democratic country they are at liberty to choose whom to support in the forthcoming general election and cannot be bound by relationships that they have not been able to benefit from.
Mr Sewekesa added that negotiated democracy is important and should be embraced in different parts of the country during this electioneering period saying for instance in Bungoma County with the Mabanga peace accord communities should share slots bearing on opportunities and resources based on negotiated democracy.
However, he called upon Bungoma County residents to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during this entire election period saying development will only be achieved when residents are peaceful.
Professor Ngome who hails from Tongaren constituency unsuccessfully vied for the Tongaren parliamentary seat in 2013 and has been a lecturer at Mt Kenya university.