I was chased away from NASA, Akaranga says

From left, Vihiga county former governor Moses Akaranga, Deputy President William Ruto and former Speaker Kenneth Marende arrive at Nyan'gori Pentecostal Assemblies of God headquarters in Vihiga county where they addressed Pastors conference on Setember 14, 2017. [photo/BENJAMIN SAKWA]

Former Vihiga Governor Moses Akaranga has claimed he was ‘kicked out’ of NASA forcing him to seek refuge in Jubilee.

He said NASA leaders intimidated his supporters during campaigns for the August 8 elections.

“I was an unwanted visitor in NASA. They sued me and I was ordered to pay Sh500,000 fine and remove their symbols from my campaign materials,” Mr Akaranga told his supporters at Elwunza village in Vihiga.

Akaranga who defended his seat on a PPK party ticket was censured by the IEBC and fined Sh500,000 for contravening the electoral code of conduct.

He lost the seat to ODM’s Wilbur Ottichilo. Josphat Amadi who also unsuccessfully contested for governorship defected to Jubilee.

“I have carried all my belongings to Jubilee. I ask my supporters to follow me to the new house where I am recognised and comfortable,” he said.

“I have been preaching about NASA in this county but I have changed the tune to Jubilee. NASA took me to court,” he said.

Speaking at the rally, former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende asked Akaranga and other leaders from the county to rally behind President Uhuru Kenyatta on October 17.

“As Vihiga leaders we should work as a team and support President Kenyatta. It will be foolish of us to support the Opposition,” Mr Marende said.