Wetangula officially in Senate race despite Speaker post promise
It is now official that Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula will be defending his seat in the August General Election.
The Ford Kenya party leader was among aspirants who submitted their nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices in Bungoma on Sunday, May 29.
He was accompanied by Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka who is seeking the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in the August polls.
Wetangula Speaker Post
There were speculations that the legislator, who is one of the founder members of the William Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza coalition, had resolved not to defend his seat to concentrate on national politics.
A coalition agreement leaked to the press early this month showed that Ford Kenya would produce the Speaker of the National Assembly in the proposed Kenya Kwanza power structure.
The position, sources in the know claimed, had been reserved for the seasoned lawmaker if the alliance wins the presidential contest.
However, speaking to members of the press on Sunday morning, Wetangula said whatever Ford Kenya will get will be shared amongst other members of the party.
"I am defending my seat of senator Bungoma county because I'm not selfish. Whatever I'll get for Ford Kenya will be shared amongst other Kenyans," Wetangula said shortly after being cleared by IEBC to participate in the Senate contest.
"I don't have to be up there. I'm satisfied where I am."
He expressed confidence that Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate William Ruto will scoop a majority of the votes in Bungoma County.
He also downplayed claims that the Raila Odinga-led Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition has substantial support in the vote-rich Western region.
"Azimio la Umoja is struggling with its rallies in Bungoma because the ground is firmly on Kenya Kwanza," he added.
"CS Eugene Wamalwa and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya will be in opposition. They should forget about the fake promises in Azimio," he said.
Wetangula joined forces with Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Musalia Mudavadi's Amani National Congress (ANC) parties to form the Kenya Kwanza coalition in January this year.
The Kenya Kwanza power deal allocates Mudavadi the Prime Cabinet Secretary slot if Ruto clinches the presidency in August.
The two leaders, must, however, deliver at least 70 per cent of the Western region's votes, to secure the plum positions.
