ANC will hold free and fair primaries – Kabatesi

ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi's private aide Kabatesi Kibisu has said all aspirants will be subjected to free and fair nominations.

Kabatesi told the Star on the phone on Saturday that some people want to force the party to give them direct tickets.

He was responding to complaints raised by some aspirants who said they were being elbowed out of the party despite investing heavily.

“We have not pushed anyone out of the party. In fact, the case of James Babira Ndeda and Jackson Swadi is weird. The two have left the party already,” Kabatesi said.

“Swadi moved to Ford Kenya and has now moved to UDA. He said ANC is favouring Ndeda. Ndeda also bolted out of ANC claiming the party was favouring Swadi and he has joined the Progressive Party of Kenya led by former Vihiga Governor Moses Akaranga,” he added.

Kabatesi said even Clement Sloya has crossed over to UDA. Sloya is vying for Sabatia MP seat.

Swadi confirmed he was quitting ANC and joining UDA.

“Yes it's true I have left ANC for UDA for some reason which I will share later,” Swadi told the Star on the phone on Sunday.

But Ndeda dismissed the claims, saying he has not left the party.

"I'm still a member of ANC party. If I leave I will first resign," he added.

Kabatesi said the three should stop commenting on ANC matters as they are no longer party members.

“We want to have candidates whom residents will accept," he said.

Kabatesi said Ndeda and Swadi are voters in Nandi county.

"Ndeda contested three times for Emgwen constituency seat but lost. Swadi is a sitting MCA in Kabwareng ward. Why don't they source votes under Kenya Kwanza alliance?" he posed.

Ndeda and Swadi have joined the race for Vihiga senator's seat.

Others include Sisco Mbindi, Godfrey Osotsi, Kennedy Butiko, Leo Ongadi and Joseph Simekha.

Senator George Khaniri has said he will not defend his seat.

Khaniri will instead seek to unseat Governor Wilber Ottichilo.

Others in the governor's race are former Governor Moses Akaranga, former county secretary Francis Ominde, Deputy Governor Patrick Saisi, and Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi.​​

Edited by A.N