Political differences between Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula have escalated to an extent that the two do not see each other eye to eye.
This is despite the fact that Bungoma senator Moses Wetang’ula was instrumental in Governor Wangamati’s election in the 2017 General Election under the Ford Kenya ticket.
Governor Wangamati broke ranks with the Bungoma senator Moses Wetang’ula in 2020 after he staged a botched coup in Kenya’s second oldest political party, Ford Kenya.
But as they say, politics has neither permanent enemies nor friends; the embattled governor appears to be keen on mending fences with Wetangula as he desperately tries to strengthen his chances of winning a second term.
With just 66 days to the much-awaited 2022 General Election, the seemingly disparate and isolated Bungoma governor is now begging the Kenya Kwanza co-principal Moses Wetang’ula for forgiveness.
Wangamati who was speaking at Nalondo Stadium in Kabuchai constituency on Wednesday, June 1, during Madaraka Day celebrations, Wangamati extended an olive branch to Wetang’ula urging him to live as brothers.
“Senator Wetang’ula should stop his differences with me as we come from the same constituency,” he said.
He said that members of the Bungoma County Assembly allied to Wetang’ula have sabotaged and disturbed his peace throughout the five-year term.
“Since I took office, I have had over 60 cases in courts, with people trying to stop every development project I initiate. But I want to tell them that even if they taint my name I am prepared to compete with them in the August polls,” embattled Wangamati said.
He said being in the bad books of the Bungoma senator has stalled major development projects, including the county scholarship program.
The coup in Ford Kenya was orchestrated by Governor Wangamti and Wetangula’s long-time allies Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi and his Tongaren counterpart Eseli Simiyu.
The trio had accused Wetang’ula of running Ford Kenya like his personal kiosk.
The three then joined the recently formed Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), associated with Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, after the failed coup.
Wangamati is expected to face off with Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka who es enjoying the backing of Wetang’ula.
