Kenya Kwanza coalition has picked former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga for the senator seat.
The seat fell vacant after Moses Wetang’ula was elected as the National Assembly speaker.
However, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, has faulted Ford Kenya for backing Wafula Wakoli as the coalition's candidate.
“As UDA MPs, we are annoyed by the move. We want Kenya Kwanza allies to support Mabonga for the seat,” Wanyama said.
He spoke on Thursday in Bungoma during a press conference.
He said President William Ruto supports Mabonga’s bid.
“I had a conversation with the President and he agreed to support Mabonga. Mabonga is equal to the task,” Wanyama said.
“I have worked with Mabonga in the national assembly and he is capable of presenting bills before the floor of the House.”
Wanyama called on Wetang'ula to support Mabonga because all the 144 UDA MPs stood with him, during the competion for the national assembly seat.
He said that all the Kenya Kwanza MPs have vowed to support Mwambu’s bid saying several Azimio la Umoja MPs in Bungoma, have also declared their support.
Wanyama faulted Ford Kenya leaders for asking Mwambu to cross over to Ford Kenya so that they can support his bid, saying that it is unlawful.
“According to the party law, a candidate should be a member of the said party six months to an election, therefore, it is unlawful for Mwambu to cross over to Ford Kenya now. We will ensure he wins,” Wanyama said.
The MP said for President Ruto’s friendship to continue with the Luhya nation, Wetang’ula should read from the same script as his boss.
“I am humbly asking Wetang’ula to accept what President Ruto has said and support Mabonga to replace him, we don’t want to lose our friendship with the President,” Wanyama said.
Speaking to the Star, Mwambu said he is equal to the task, asking Bungoma electorates to back his bid.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, DAP-K has also declared his support for Mwambu.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
