Trans Nzoia Ford Kenya party officials have opposed endorsement of Kiminini MP Dr Chris Wamalwa by party leader Moses Wetangula to be party’s 2022 gubernatorial candidate .
The party officials termed Wetangula’s move as threat to internal party democracy that denies other potential candidates chance for party ticket.
Speaking in Kitale, the officials said all aspirants for various elective seats must be treated equally and later be subjected to a nomination exercise towards the general elections to ensure party members choose popular ones.
“The party leader has been sending a message of favoritism of some candidates which is scaring others who feel marginalized. This is an issue that must come to an end,” said Mr. Wekesa Lusakia.
They also called on Senator Wetang’ula to spearhead reconciliations with dissenting factions within the party instead of taking sides; a move which they said is weakening the party ahead of the 2022 elections.
“We should ensure that the party is stronger by amicably finding a lasting solution to the internal wrangles away from the courts for us to focus on ensuring the party performs well in the coming elections,” said Mrs Elizabeth Nafula.
The officials called on Senator Wetangula and Tongaren MP Dr. Eseli Simiyu to withdraw court cases that has caused stalemate to party leadership.
The officials who were ejected from their positions in February have vowed to stay put and demanded for an election to replace the current interim leadership in the county.
The team moved to court to challenge the move that saw them ejected on grounds of being rebels in a meeting that was attended by the party leader Moses Wetang’ula and Kiminini MP Dr. Chris Wamalwa.
They are now calling on the party’s election board to conduct an election exercise to select county officials ahead of the party’s National Delegates conference aimed at electing national officials.
“The head office must know that we have no branch leadership in Trans Nzoia County therefore those who are holding positions are doing so on an interim basis. We must have new officials,” said Mr. Peter Puka.
