Wetang'ula hints at one candidate in Senate race

Speaker Moses Wetang'ula addresses Kisii residents during a past Kenya Kwanza Alliance rally. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has downplayed political rivalry pitting Ford Kenya and United Democratic Alliance ahead of the Bungoma Senate by-election on December 8.

The Speaker hinted that Kenya Kwanza Alliance could agree to field a single candidate to enhance its chances of clinching the seat.

Speaking in Kibuk village, Mount Elgon, on Sunday during a thanksgiving ceremony for Bungoma Deputy Governor Jenipher Mbatiany, Wetangula said together with President William Ruto, they will address the matter.

"We cannot fail to get a single candidate, those eyeing the seat are our own sons, we shall advise them accordingly," he said.

A section of politicians from Bungoma had challenged the Ford Kenya party boss to engage the president and field a single candidate under Kenya Kwanza Alliance. Earlier, UDA MPs from Bungoma clashed over whom to back between the party's candidate former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga and Ford Kenya candidate Wafula Wakoli, a long-time aide of Wetang'ula.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa set the ball rolling after declaring his support for Mr Wakoli.

"I will drum up support for Wakoli, my party leader, President Ruto sent me here with the same message," said Mr Barasa.

But his sentiments did not go down well with leaders allied to the UDA candidate. Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, while dismissing the Kimilili MP, insisted that UDA will field Mabonga in the race.

"Ford-K and UDA are sister parties, one has a lion as its symbol while the other has a wheelbarrow. Wouldn't you be happy to discover a wheelbarrow at your doorstep when you wake up? What if you run into a lion?" Posed Wanyama.

He said Mabonga is best suited to replace Wetang'ula as Bungoma senator.