New Ford-K leaders fight for Wamalwa's position

Even before Parliament approves his nomination as Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation Services, intense lobbying has kicked off in New Ford-Kenya (NFK) over who should replace party leader Eugene Wamalwa.

Already, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, former minister Dr Noah Wekesa and Bungoma Woman Representative Dr Reginalda Wanyonyi have been touted as possible successors.

Others fronted for the seat include Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama and Trans-Nzoia Woman Representative Janet Nangabo.

However, party Secretary General Colonel (retired) Benjamin Mwema said only NFK national organs would make the final decision, which will be communicated by himself as the party spokesperson.

Individual opinions

“If you have not heard Mwema speaking, just know what you are hearing are individual opinions. We are going to meet as the National Executive Committee (NEC) and make a decision,” he said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta last week nominated Wamalwa, who is a former Justice minister, to the position of CS for Water and Irrigation Services.

According to the Constitution, Wamalwa is expected to relinquish his party position and concentrate on his ministerial duties.

But even before his approval by Parliament, Julius Bakasa, the head of special programmes in Bungoma County has endorsed Lusaka as Wamalwa’s successor, causing ripples within the party.

But NFK national youth leader Benard Mangoli criticised the plan to have Lusaka nominated as party leader without approval from the decision-making organ.

Mangoli said it is unfortunate that some leaders who have never worked closely with the party’s NEC now want to use their power to take over leadership.

“When I state my position, some accuse me of working with NFK rivals. But I am simply putting the truth plainly in black and white,” Mangoli told The standard on Sunday.

Bakasa yesterday defended his endorsement of Lusaka, saying he floated the governor’s name because he has what it takes to head the party given his is experience and as the senior most elected leader in NFK. “I hope NEC will endorse the governor to take over from Wamalwa. If appointed, I ask members to accord him respect as they did to Wamalwa. We want expertise in running the party,’’ added Bakasa.

Reached for comment, Lusaka said it is the party members to decide if he is the best candidate to succeed Wamalwa.

“The party members will decide. I am of the opinion that NFK needs a strong leader who will be able to compete with other parties, attract members and have a good working relationship with other coalitions,’’ he said.

Leadership vacuum

Trans Nzoia NFK chairman Joshua Werunga said Wekesa was also interested in the position and had expressed concern on why due process should not be followed in identifying who succeeds Wamalwa.

“For us in Trans Nzoia, which happens to be Wamalwa’s home county, we expect the party structures to be strictly adhered to in identifying who should warm the seat for him while he is on sabbatical leave as a CS,” said Werunga.

Dr Reginalda said she would not turn such an offer down if identified.

“We know there are party organs but Wamalwa as a person could also be having in mind someone whom he thinks can be effective. NEC members do not want ‘roadside endorsements’ which do not rhyme with democratic ideals,” she said.

Kizito Temba, a close Wamalwa ally, hinted Lusaka could be given the chance to lead the party.

But Bumula MP Boniface Otsula said there is no vacuum in the party and that NEC will decide on who succeeds Wamalwa in due time.

“There is no crisis in NFK. NEC will look for a suitable candidate to execute the party mandate and aspirations,’’ said the NFK legislator.