Dr Mukhwana withdraws from Ford Kenya primaries for Kabuchai mini polls

Kenya National Qualifications Authority CEO Juma Mukhwana (pictured) has said he will not participate in the Ford Kenya primaries for the Kabuchai parliamentary by-elections slated for March 4 next year.

The seat fell vacant following the death of area MP James Lusweti last month.

Mukhwana, while withdrawing his candidature from the party, said Ford Kenya primaries would not be free and fair as they had already settled on a candidate, which meant participating in the nominations would be an exercise in futility. 

“I had offered to contest on a Ford Kenya ticket but I have withdrawn my candidature after receiving information the party already has a pre-determined candidate,” said Mukhwana. 

In a quick rejoinder, however, Wafula Wakoli, Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang'ula's personal assistant, dismissed the allegations by Mukhwana as baseless, adding that the party nominations had not been held, and the date had not been set. 

"We have not done any nominations for the primaries. He wanted to be given direct nomination under the table but we refused, that is why he is saying that," Wakoli accused.