Leaders from Western Kenya, notably Bungoma, have been urged to shun from divisive politics which may cause animosity and division among communities. Addressing mourners at the funeral of the late Christine Nasimiyu Wafula, a business lady in Mukuyuni in Tongaren constituency, nominated MCA Jerusa Aleu said bad politicians are causing division and preaching disunity among Bungoma residents and are using funerals as the platform to do so.
She said it’s inappropriate to use funerals as the stage to divide residents, given that the bereaved need consolation and peace when they bury their loved ones. She said the wrangles being witnessed in the Ford Kenya party are propagated by leaders in the party who are driven by selfish ambition, insisting that there is only one Ford Kenya party, led by Bungoma Senator moses Wetangula and he should be respected as such.
However, the statement didn’t go down well with those present who lean towards Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi, led by Sitati Nangalama who is the Tongaren Ford Kenya organizing secretary. He said they don’t recognize Wetangula’s party leadership and are planning to revamp the party to maKe it more vibrant ahead of the next general elections.
On his part, Mbakalo MCA Bethwel Mwambu urged leaders to be sober and focus on development, instead of dividing Kenyans along political lines. He urged Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati to stop focusing on Ford Kenya politics and come to the aid of Webuye East and Tongaren residents by ensuring the Brigadier-Misikhu road is tarmacked as earlier agreed. He also told President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to suspend the BBI train and concentrate on grievances raised by health workers who are on strike, saying that many Kenyans are suffering because they can’t afford medical charges at private hospitals.