A political storm erupted over the weekend between Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa and a section of Bungoma MPs allied to UDA and Ford Kenya over his sentiments that he is their role model in politics.
During an interview in one of the local radio stations, Eugene claimed that he taught politics to Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West) and the recently elected Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga (Ford Kenya).
"I am the one who showed the trio how politics is played for one one to win. I equally facilitated and funded their campaigns. They should stop attacking and insulting me in public," Eugene said.
He added: "I campaigned for and gave Barasa a state-of-the-art vehicle and even got him a house in Nairobi after he won. I also taught Wanyama how politics is played and funded his campaigns."
Eugene said that the duo had nothing and he helped them realise their goals but after joining UDA, they are now busy insulting him.
"I am the person who brought DP William Ruto to Western Kenya for the first time. He later dumped me. So the mentioned legislators joining his (Ruto's campaigns) don't make us enemies," Eugene added.
Barasa and Wanyama have been on the forefront castigating the Eugene, asking him to campaign in Trans Nzoia, and stop meddling in Bungoma county affairs.
Wanyama in a separate interview in the same local station however criticised Eugene for saying lies, terming him a political broker who has always used the Luhya community for selfish gains.
“When I joined politics, I even didn’t know Eugene. He is a political broker who in every electioneering period wants to use the Luhya community to seek an appointment," Wanyama said.
Wanyama challenged Eugene to go for an elective seat to test his popularity rather than always waiting for an appointment
Kalasinga asked Eugene to respect other elected leaders, and never use any force in compelling them to join Democratic Action Party of Kenya.
"We respect him but let him not be disrespectful to us. Politics is about interests," Kalasinga said.
Kalasinga accused Eugene for always dividing the Luhya community to use it bargain for his appointment in government.
Eugene has publicly announced that he is the owner of the recently unveiled DAP-K, and is crisscrossing Bungoma county selling its manifesto.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
