Following the removal of Kiminini MP Dr Chris Wamalwa as the National Assembly deputy minority whip, several leaders from Ford Kenya
youth groups and a section of MCAs have criticized the manner in which the MP was removed blaming ODM party leader Raila Odinga, who they say is behind the ouster. Some Ford Kenya MCAs on the other hand snubbed the media briefing and blamed their counterparts for going ahead with the press update.
The Ford Kenya MCAs who snubbed the press address said they support the removal of Wamalwa since the seat was given to Ford Kenya secretary general David Eseli.
Ford Kenya youth groups led by their leader Aggrey Nalianya threw accusations at ODM party leader Raila Odinga, saying he has played a role in ensuring leaders are dislodged from positions through shoddy deals.
They claimed the ODM chief has been part of the reason why Luhya leaders don’t unite, citing past cases like how he stood against the late Kijana Wamalwa, and playing a role in the ouster of former Senate Minority leader and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula. They stated they’ll never trust him in any future political alignments.
MCAs allied to Jubilee party led by Saboti’s David Kapoloman, Suwerwa’s Mathews Nyarango, Chepsiro Kiptoror ward Birir, Sarah
Lubano, Motosiet’s MCA from Ford Kenya Benard Muganda, Sikhendu’s Eric Musumba, nominated MCA Rodgers Barasa, Saphina Wanjala and Carol Makokha also accused Raila, saying he is behind Wamalwa’s ouster. They said leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto in the NASA are the ones being punished “We have followed our leaders and noted that those allies to Deputy President William Ruto are the ones being punished, leaving out the opposition leaders allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta. Such double standards shouldn’t be allowed,” said Kapoloman.
They said President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga ushered in the handshake and leaders thought at first it was a good step towards development, and they followed suit and associated with other leaders who are not part of their parties but it has only brought up problems for them.
However several Ford Kenya MCAs led by Trans Nzoia assembly minority Emmanuel Waswa, Hospital MCA Eric Wafula Mwangale, Kapomboi’s Ben Wanjala Mlipuko and Sitatunga’s Daniel Kaburu snubbed the media briefing that was organized by their colleagues claiming it was premature to condemn any leaders following removal of the Kiminini MP, adding that the seat is still in the party. They urged their colleagues to be patient and respect the changes in the National Assembly.