UDF stalwarts in Kakamega won't join Jubilee Party

Mumias East MP Ben Washiali. PHOTO: FILE

KAKAMEGA: The looming plan to fold up all parties affiliated to Jubilee alliance and form one entity has suffered a blow.

United Democratic Front (UDF) Secretary in Kakamega county Raphael Welimo has disclosed that they will not break up their party and join the imminent Jubilee Party.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy are pushing for one party they intend to use as a vehicle to take them back to the State House next year.

Former Minister Noah Wekesa and Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi are spearheading for the merger. The move to form one outfit has however faced legal challenges and most of the parties appear not keen to back the idea.

Addressing media in Kakamega town, Welimo said that plan to unite all parties is a well calculated plot to deny Kenyans their democratic freedom and muzzle those perceived to be rebels.

"We have scrutinized the objective of the merger and came to conclusion that it does not mean well for us and that is why we are not going that way," he said.

He is of the view that remaining independent, will help them reap big in the August House through nomination of MPs and Members of County Assembly after elections.

"Political parties are given nomination slots after elections in the senate, national assembly and county assemblies, how will we benefit from that after merging parties," posed Welimo.

The UDF Secretary in Kakamega however affirmed that his outfit will back the re-election of President Kenyatta in the forthcoming general elections slated for 8th August 2017.

Mumias East MP Ben Washiali is the current leader of UDF after former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi formed his own Amani National Congress. He has supported the plan to dissolve all parties and form one movement.

Emmanuel Wangwe of Navakholo, Benard Shinali are among the MPs from Kakamega County who have already thrown their support behind the Jubilee party that is the offing.