Allies nervous as Ford parties moot reunion

By Stephen Makabila

Leaders of Ford-Kenya&searchbutton=SEARCH'> New Ford-Kenya and Ford-Kenya say they are determined to ensure their new unity is sustained.

But as the two parties work out modalities of working together, there is resistance from ‘political brokers’ on the two sides.

While Ford-Kenya&searchbutton=SEARCH'> New Ford-Kenya presidential aspirant Eugene Wamalwa and Ford-Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula pledged to work together, it has emerged the two are fighting off attempts by their allies to frustrate the bid.

Last weekend, the two leaders and Forestry Minister Noah Wekesa, Assistant Minister Wakoli Bifwoli, Nominated MP Musikari Kombo, Kimilili MP Eseli Simiyu, and Lugari’s Cyrus Jirongo launched a drive to unite the Luhya.

They vowed to endorse a single presidential candidate from the region in the General Election.

Latest resolve

The leaders, who spoke at the burial of Bukusu spiritual leader John Manguliechi in Kimilili, Bungoma County, had also resolved to enjoin other leaders from the region in their latest resolve.

Jirongo, who has differed with Eldoret North MP William Ruto in the United Republican Party, announced he would join a new political outfit to be formed after the re-unification of Ford-Kenya and Ford-Kenya&searchbutton=SEARCH'> New Ford-Kenya. He said Nambale MP Chris Okemo would also join the new outfit.

Wakoli, however, told The Standard On Sunday that Wamalwa and Wetangula have been going through difficult times since the unity pledge was made, adding some of their key allies had wanted to foster differences between the two for personal, political and financial gains.

The Bumula MP pointed out political brokers close to Wamalwa and Wetangula were causing problems and holding back talks.

“We are cautioning political brokers to keep off or we will name and shame them,” Wakoli told The Standard On Sunday.