Independent candidates in Trans Nzoia have denied they are spoilers pushed to split the vote and deny victory to major party candidates.
County's Independent Candidates Caucus chairman Apostle Jimmy Nduruchi said those branding them as sellouts were a bunch of non-performers in political alignments that failed the electorate.
Nduruchi is running for governor.
Speaking to the Star in Kitale, Nduruchi said independents were the only remaining alternative to provide servant leadership and services after major political parties' candidates failed to deliver.
Asked if independents would negotiate with either formation to step down, the cleric said the caucus has faith in all those vying on the platform with one reform agenda.
"Individuals picked to vie as independents will not negotiate with either Azimio or Kenya Kwanza to quit the race. The majority of independents have already indicated that they will be finishing at the ballot," he said.
He denounced those saying independents lack integrity, promising to humiliate them at the ballot.
The cleric-turned politician has selected 31-year-old English and Literature teacher Luke Naibei as his running mate.
He will confront Ford Kenya secretary general Chrisantus Wakhungu Wamalwa, who is Kenya Kwanza's nominee, Azimio’s George Natembeya and another independent candidate, Ben Wanjala.
"The Independent Caucus is fielding candidates in all positions, MCAs, MPs, senators, woman representatives, governor and president," he said.
"Ignore us at your peril."
Independent candidates vying for woman representative are incumbent Janet Nangabo and retired director of gender Pauline Mukasa. Both say they would talk with either or both formations.
Nangabo said she is confident of clinching back her seat, despite the sponsored opposition from across the political divide.
"I have an elaborate campaign team well versed with the the cosmopolitan county to help win back the seat. There is no deal to make with political squirrels who promise heaven," she said.
"Merit is the sum of many considerations, including the views of those who elect me and my personal conscience," Mukasa said.
She added that politicians were wooing her to quit the race in favour of a UDA candidate.
She said her non commitment to enter any negotiation with her competitor, who was given a certificate meant for her is based on her desire to serve the people of Trans Nzoia and not a political establishment.
Others, including Jammy Simiyu and Pius Gumo, are vying against Robert Pukose in Endebes constituency.
Gumo said, "The major parties know exactly what was done during the primaries and therefore talking to those who lost morals will require a second thought".
The young Gumo, son of former powerful Cabinet Minister Fred Gumo, said he stands for integrity, transparency, gender quality and financial accountability, which he accused Azimio and Kenya Kwanza of lacking.
He exuded confidence he will win in the 9 August elections.
He said if Endebes residents pick on him as their representative in the National Assembly, then it would be a wakeup call of the two major political formations to in future engage aspirants based on priorities.
Engineer Mercy Cheptoo, 27, expressly ruled out any possibility of bowing out of the race in favour of a UDA candidate. She said her key demand was for emancipation of the average Kenyan from rising cost of living.
"These political parties have made poor Kenyans their stools and chairs to sit on. The independents are saying no to ideologies that have failed to work for them more than 58 years since Independence," she said.
Wanjala said he would neither quit the race or support a candidate from both political formations.
"At the end of the day residents of this county need service delivery and not empty politicking based on political parties ideologies which have in the past failed to deliver on their promises to Wanjiku," he said.
Apostle Nduruchi said no single independent candidate is willing to be influenced by aspirants vying on moneyed parties in a way to accept cash pumped into their followers. He said such desperate attempts by politicians from Kenya Kwanza and Azimio shall desperately hit the rocks.
He singled out allies of Deputy President William Ruto for calling on the electorate to reject independent candidates competing against UDA nominees in the North rift.
"Independents are not sell outs and those making such remarks are out to cause animosity among peace loving residents of the north rift. They should know that other communities are also North Rift’’, he said.
(Edited by V. Graham)
“WATCH: The latest videos from the Star”
