Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba today will be installed as Ford Kenya county chairman in place of Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi. This is expected to cause more wrangling in Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula’s party. Khaemba will be installed by 400 delegates at the party offices in Kitale town.
“I can confirm that delegates have organised a meeting where key decisions will be made,” Senate aspirant Ken Wafula said. The delegates also plan to endorse a lineup of aspirants they want to run for various seats on the Ford-K ticket next year. They include Khaemba, who is seeking reelection, and Wafula.
Delegate James Wanyonyi yesterday said Wetang’ula has ignored their call for grassroots elections before the 2017 polls. “We have taken it upon ourselves to organise the party by installing Khaemba and others whom we believe will lead Ford Kenya in the right direction,” he said.
The Star has learnt that Khaemba, who has been a passive but influential member of the party, has decided to play hardball politics. This follows reports of a plan to have Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa run for governor on the Ford Kenya ticket. Last month, Wamalwa indicated he may run for the top seat, accusing Khaemba of mismanaging the county.
Sources said the struggle in the party was instigated by some camps trying to control nominations ahead of the general election. Wafula said Ford-K will be stronger in Trans Nzoia under Wetang’ula leadership. The county is one of the party’s strongholds.