- “My opponents are using all means to taint my name but I want to send a word to them. I am prepared to face them,” he said.
- The DAP-K candidate said he is ready to battle Kenya Kwanza gubernatorial candidate Ken Lusaka in the August poll.
Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has been cleared by the IEBC to defend his seat.
The DAP-K candidate said he is ready to battle Kenya Kwanza gubernatorial candidate Ken Lusaka in the August poll.
“My opponents are using all means to taint my name but I want to send a word to them. I am prepared to face them,” he said.
Wangamati, who has picked banker Evans Wekesa as his running mate spoke at Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission offices after his clearance on Monday.
The county boss said his record speaks for itself. He said he has taken Bungoma far and pledged to initiate industries in every subcounty, if re-elected.
“My work can be seen and I promise to do more, if given a second term,” he said.
Wangamati will be competing under the Azimio La Umoja umbrella. In 2017, he was elected on a Ford Kenya ticket after defeating Lusaka of Jubilee.
The governor said he will be at the forefront preaching peace and urged politicians to stick to the IEBC laws during campaigns.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa who had accompanied Wangamati said Bungoma has performed well under Wangamati.
“I have served this country as the CS for devolution and I can assure you Wangamati has delivered and deserves a second chance,” he said.
Wamalwa futher asked the Western region to rally behind Raila Odinga’s bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He said the Azimio La Umoja manifesto is fit for the country and it will bring change.
Wamalwa said a new dawn has started for DAP-K candidates to bag the Bungoma and Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seats.
DAP-K leader Wafula Wamunyinyi however urged IEBC to take stern action against Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula for threatening his opponents.
“On Sunday, I keenly listened to Wetang’ula threaten us during his address here at IEBC,” he said.
Wamunyinyi said nobody has planned to cause chaos during rallies adding that elections are not about exchanging fists.
Bungoma ODM chairman Ali Machani urged aspirants in Azimio coalition to campaign for each other despite being in different parties.
Legislators led by Sirisia MP John Waluke said they back Wangamati’s re-election since Bungoma needs a visionary leader like him.
Also present were Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu and former Bungoma Woman Representative Regnaldah Wanyonyi.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)