West Pokot County Governor John Lonyangapuo has disassociated himself with claims that he has intentions of ditching KANU and joining another political bandwagon ahead of the 2022 elections. The County boss further dismissed assertions that he shifted to Deputy President William Ruto’s camp long time ago citing that he respects KANU because it’s the political vehicle that helped him to be a Governor.
Speaking in Kacheliba constituency during the distribution of relief food to locals who have been affected by hunger, he said his friendship with the Deputy President is all about development and he has no intentions of decamping from KANU and either join Kieleweke or Tanga Tanga political groups. “Before the 2017 elections I had problems with the Deputy President. We could not meet eye to eye because of political differences, now that I am a leader I embrace everyone,” he said.
The area Governor strongly defended himself saying that the wrangles facing the County government over KANU MCAs disrespecting the party are maliciously orchestrated to kill the party adding that he has played a key role in making KANU strong in the County. “Those political groups-Tanga tanga and Kieleweke should be stopped completely. If we want to destroy political parties let’s wait until the right time comes not now. I won’t be forced to belong to a certain political group, I affirm my membership is in KANU,” he said.
He said those working hard to break the party will not be successful citing that this is not the right time for politics but he focuses on his development agenda. He has invited party leader Gideon Moi to visit the County anytime and he’ll receive a great welcome.
He further castigated those already campaigning for the Presidential seat before 2022 to stop imposing themselves on a country that already has a President.
He said President Uhuru Kenyatta should be supported by all leaders and creating division is not right pointing out that if the President and his Deputy have their own differences it’s none of his business.
MPs in the County have echoed the Governor’s sentiments saying that the changes the Governor intended to make at the County assembly were interfered by external forces. Kacheliba MP Mark Lomunokol said there is a political witch hunt going on in the country and some leaders are working hard to bring others down. “The country is experiencing politics of enmity because some politicians want to benefit from the leadership changes. I urge leaders to desist from such politics and focus on development,” he said.
He noted that the county has managed to maintain peace and end cattle rustling and it wont be fair for county leaders to engage in arguments and trading barbs and yet the locals are expecting development.
Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong said the country is experiencing a political dispersion and some politicians have been sacrificed because of their affiliations to a particular party.
He said leaders should be allowed to express their thoughts and finally reach a consensus that will benefit the common mwananchi. “Some politicians will suffer in silence because they don’t want to be branded as a supporter of a particular party. The government should listen to all leaders,” said Lochakapong.
He pleaded with county leaders to respect the area Governor and focus on development rather than engaging on political side shows.