Ford Kenya's Wakoli cleared to run for Bungoma senator

Ford Kenya candidate David Wafula Wakoli has been cleared by the IEBC to run for the Bungoma Senate seat in the forthcoming by-election slated for December 8.

Wakoli presented his nomination papers to the commission on Friday.

Speaking at the IEBC offices after presenting papers, Wakoli called on Bungoma residents to back his bid to replace National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.

Before Wakoli tossed himself into politics, he served as a teacher and a long-term personal aide to Wetang'ula.

"The journey has started. Let us ensure that we win this seat and grow Ford Kenya," Wakoli said.

He said if elected senator, he will put the Bungoma governor in check and ensure public funds are used accordingly.

Wakoli said the former administration did not spend funds for the intended purpose.

“With me as senator, no public money will be lost, I will play my constitutional role without favour,” he said.

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, who was present, urged voters to back Wakoli's bid saying they should vote the way they voted in the August polls.

"We have started the journey of ensuring that Wakoli clinches this seat. We are going to crisscross this county to ensure that Ford Kenya beats other parties,” he said.

“We are going to employ the tactic we used in the August polls, to ensure that we emerge the winner.”

Kanduyi MP John Makali said all Ford Kenya lawmakers have vowed to back Wakoli’s bid.

“Ford Kenya is a united party, unlike other parties where people quarrel. We shall continue supporting and extending the Ford Kenya roots,” Makali said.

The Azimio La Umoja senatorial aspirant and DAP-K party leader is scheduled to present his papers to the IEBC at 2pm on Friday.