Economic Freedom Party tells Governor Roba to account for Sh40 billion

Mandera Governor Ali Roba photo:courtesy

The leadership of the Economic Freedom Party (EFP) has defended the legitimacy of its candidates for the forthcoming elections.

Party chairman Issack Hassan Abey also dismissed Mandera Governor Ali Roba's comments, saying he lacked the moral authority to talk about party nominations.

"Roba never went through any party nominations and is a beneficiary of the council of elder's decision in the last elections. He should be the last to speak against this process," said Mr Abey.

He said had it not been for the elders' decision and endorsement, Roba would never have been a governor.

He reaffirmed his party's support for President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election for a second term and thanked the head of State for turning up during the EFP national congress at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi to accept the endorsement and sign a pact.

"By attacking us and casting doubt about our legitimacy, he is by extension disparaging President Kenyatta, who is working closely with us. We assure the President of our full support," he said.

According to Abey, Roba and his team had been rejected by the council of elders and asked to vie for any seats, and that the decision was binding because the elders represented the inspiration and will of the people on the ground.

He said the party was not just popular in Mandera but also in Lamu, Kwale, Bungoma, Kisii and other areas.

Former provincial administrator Noor Hassan Noor is vying for the Mandera governorship backed by the council of elders, and this has caused jitters in the Roba camp.

"Roba and his team have smelled defeat and are now running all over the place like headless chickens because they have nothing to show for the period the people of Mandera accorded them to lead and develop the county," said Abey.

Roba had alleged that the council had lost touch with the people on the ground, which Abey termed "wishful thinking" and an affront to the principle of negotiated democracy that respects the will of the people of Mandera.