Last laugh: Wetang’ula wins ouster battle, warns Wamunyinyi faction

Ford Kenya Leader Moses Wetang'ula with party supporters at a past event. [File, Standard]

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula on Friday had the last laugh after the registrar of political parties recalled a gazette notice that had published Wafula Wamunyinyi as the new Ford Kenya party leader.

In a gazette notice dated June 8, Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu withdrew the notice paving way for Wetang’ula’s return at the helm of the Lion party.

The Bungoma Senator's lawyer Nelson Havi said the withdrawal of the gazette notice meant the status quo remains.

“The Registrar of Political Parties has recalled the gazette notice which had made changes on Ford Kenya party officials’ list, meaning Wetang’ula is the party leader,” said Havi.

Subsequently, Wetang’ula withdrew a case against Wamunyinyi and Ford Kenya secretary general Eseli Simiyu who he had accused of organising the coup against him.

Wetang’ula, however, ordered the coup plotters led by Eseli and Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati to apologise or face disciplinary committee over their action.

The disciplinary committee will be chaired by West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi.

Wetang’ula had dismissed the list of NEC members presented to the registrar of political parties, saying they were fake.

He accused his ousters led by Eseli of using fake members of NEC to execute a coup in the party and warned that they will face the consequences.

“Some of the 14 signatures collected for this illegal ouster were made by imposters who are not members of the party’s NEC,” he said.

Wamunyinyi's faction also accused Wetang’ula of threatening and intimidating NEC members who signed to remove him.