Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi, the appointed Deputy Party Leader of Ford Kenya, has announced his resignation from the position. During a meeting with party supporters, Wanyonyi declared that he would assume the role of Chairperson for Ford Kenya in Trans Nzoia, while expressing concerns over the recent leadership choices within the party.
Wanyonyi criticized the selection process that led to Wafula Mutacho being appointed as the new chair for the party in Trans Nzoia. He stated, “There was immaturity in how this appointment was handled. As far as I am concerned, I am the Chair of Ford Kenya in Trans Nzoia, and those involved know that if there’s envy, they should take a step back.”
Emphasizing his disinterest in the Deputy Party Leader role, Wanyonyi remarked, “The Deputy Party Leader post has nothing to do with the party on the ground. So, if they think there’s a problem, they can take that Deputy Party Leader position elsewhere. I am not interested; if they think they are overloading me, I am not complaining.”
He expressed his deep commitment to Ford Kenya, saying, “I started with this party, and I will die with it. If I must be buried, it will be with this party.”
Newly appointed Deputy Secretary Boaz Werunga, along with youth leaders Harrison Wesa and Mwanambisi Mulongo, strongly condemned the actions of the party’s National Executive Committee, asserting that they are infringing on the autonomy of local leaders.
“Hon. John Chikati, please stop interfering with Trans Nzoia party leadership. If you have any issues, come discuss them openly with us,” they urged.
The party recently held elections to select new leaders, with Dr. Andrew Luke Wafula appointed as the Secretary for the county. Meanwhile, party members are calling for a management committee that will genuinely represent the interests and voices of the grassroots, rather than imposing decisions from Nairobi.
A few days ago, Ford Kenya Secretary General Dr. John Murumba Chikati officially confirmed Major Wafula Mutacho as the interim chairperson for Trans Nzoia County. This announcement followed a directive from the Ford Kenya Management Committee, stemming from elections held on September 29, 2024. The elections were supervised by the party’s Director of Elections, Madam Khadija Mustapha, alongside national leaders such as Deputy Party Leader Milicent Omanga. The party is focusing on enhancing leadership across counties, with Trans Nzoia being a key area for development.
The party announced that Wanyonyi was replaced as chairperson since he had been gazetted as Deputy Party Leader, rendering the chairmanship seat in Trans Nzoia vacant.
However, these elections were marred by allegations of violence, with reports claiming that Mutacho was allegedly attacked by Wanyonyi’s supporters in Kiminini. Wanyonyi disputed these allegations, and Dr. Chikati announced that the perpetrators would be dealt with once identified.