Jubilee kicks off charm offensive in vote-rich Western ahead of new party's launch

From left: Water Minister Eugene Wamalwa, Mumias East MP Ben Washiali and Teso North Mp Arthur Odera during the Wanga Technical Training ground breaking ceremony held at Lubinu grounds Mumias subcounty Kakamega County on Feb 5th, 2016. The leaders who were present from across the country defended Jubilee leadership saying it was the only way the luhya community would improve in its development agenda. They also took the chance to protect Mumias East MP Ben Washiali against those accusing him of supporting the government of the day saying it was not against the law for the legislator to join JAP Party. [Photo:CHRISPEN SECHERE/Standard].

Even before the expected launch of Jubilee Party of Kenya (JPK) next month, leaders have hit the ground running to popularise it. Dr Noah Wekesa is already meeting leaders from Western and identifying point men. Last week, the committee coordinating the merger of affiliate parties created two zones and mandated Dr Wekesa to oversee party structures in Western, Nyanza, Central Rift, North Rift and Central Rift regions. Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi will be in charge of Nairobi, North Eastern, Mount Kenya, Eastern and Coast regions.

“We are now focusing on getting support from the grassroots but nobody will be coerced to join the party as we ensure JPK gets a national outlook before the unveiling in March,” Wekesa told The Standard on Sunday.

He is expected to visit the region again this weekend only a week after he met elected Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) leaders and Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa in Mumias.

Because they are running out of time amid fears they might not achieve their target by next month, the committee has lumped together neighbouring counties for purposes of holding planning and structuring meetings.

The team will concentrate on the Western region because it is an Opposition stronghold, with CORD co-principal Moses Wetangu’la posing a big challenge to Jubilee Party.

He will bank on Jubilee Governor Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma, because Senators Boni Khalwale (Kakamega) and George Khaniri (Vihiga) who were elected on a UDF ticket which has agreed to dissolve and join JPK, shifted their allegiance to the Opposition.

In Kakamega, JP will rely on MPs, Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Benard Shinali (Ikolomani) and David Were (Matungu) and former Shinyalu MP Justus Kizito.

In Bungoma and Trans Nzoia, Wekesa and his team will be seeking Wamalwa’s support, Governor Lusaka who doubles as New Ford Kenya party leader, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama and Saboti MP David Wafula.

In Busia, the party will bank on Odera, Teso South MP Mary Emase and former Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala who have declared their support.

While popularising the party in Kakamega last weekend, Shinali asked residents to join the party and stop hoping to benefit from CORD. “We have joined Jubilee in day light. We are not going to turn back,” he said.

Mr Wangwe said: “We should support the government to develop our region now. The opposition has nothing new to offer.”

Mr Wanyama said there is nothing they can get from the Opposition. “As a community, we do not owe the Opposition any debt. It is time we change our politics and join the winning team,” he said. Saboti MP David Wafula said: “We will not repeat mistakes we made in 2013. In 2017 we will be in Government.”