Close to sixteen West Pokot county executive officials who include county executive committee members, chief officers and directors have resigned to pursue their interest in various political positions within the county.
Six county executive committee members out of ten have resigned leaving governor John Lonyangapuo with only four CECs to work with.
Most of the officials tendered their resignation letters to the county secretary office stating that they have decided to chart their own political pathway ahead of 2022 elections.
Among the CECs who have resigned are Augustine Monges CEC trade, energy and cooperatives, Joel Arumonyang CEC tourism, culture, sports, youth, gender and social services, Francis Kitelauyan CEC water, environment and natural resources CEC Luka Chepelion public service management, ICT, administration and devolved units, Emily Chepoghisyo CEC lands, housing, physical planning and urban development and Geofrey Lipale CEC agriculture irrigation and pastoral economy.
Some of the CECs are eyeing senate, members of parliament and members of county assembly seats.
Political vacancies in the forthcoming general election has therefore provided a safe exit for some CECs ,COs Director and Administrators to jump ship and a chance to try their luck in elective political seats.
Some of the former CECs interviewed said they will be vying using other political parties than the recently formed Kenya Union Party KUP.
Governor John Lonyangapuo is the KUP party leader and only Geoffrey Lipale who is the party chairman will be vying for the senate seat using KUP vehicle.
Arumonyang and Monges are among the first to support the former West Pokot county governor Simon Kachapin who has also resigned as CAS sports to come and battle out with Governor Lonyangapuo on the gubernatorial position.
Kitalauyan said he is vying for Member of Parliament for Sigor constituency and he is yet to decide which party he will use during his campaigns.
Monges said he will be contesting for senate seat under UDA and he decided to go for greener pastures.
“I was committed to my work and let’s wish each other good luck.” He said.
However West Pokot county governor John Lonyangapuo affirmed that their resignation won’t paralyze his government activities.
Lonyangapuo said those who resigned have weighed themselves and thought they are fit and daring enough to contest for any seat.
He advised them to have manifestos that are beneficial to the common mwananchi.
He said he will tell the public on the ones who have rendered their resignation to pave way for smooth hand over and re-organize his cabinet so that no department is paralyzed or locals don’t get services.
Lonyangapuo noted that its a political season and politicians should desist from incitement and politics of violence and hatred.
He said Kenya should remain intact even after the elections castigating those who are after tribal and division politics.
He said he will ride on his KUP party which signifies unity among Kenyans.
“We will stand with those who have ideas like ours. People should copy our unity slogan and join our party,” he stated
Lonyangapuo said some of the politicians have begun engaging in politics fully without spearheading the development agenda.
