FORD-K POLITICS

The battle for political supremacy in Ford Kenya is gaining momentum ahead of the party’s elections even as a cross-section of its leaders and supporters demand the disbanding of the election board.

Emerging details indicate that a third force – including former Trade minister Mukhisa Kituyi and youths from the western and north Rift – is pushing for radical changes in the election board headed by Wabwoba Walinywa, accusing it of incompetence.

They have petitioned party chairman Musikari Kombo to set the election dates in consultation with the National Executive Committee.

“It is only the party chairman who can announce the election dates after it is fixed by the National Executive Committee,” says Dr Kituyi.

He has received support from Lands assistant minister and Bumula MP Bifwoli Wakoli whose view is that a fallout in the party is imminent unless the elections are conducted transparently.

“There is a lot of confusion on when the elections will be held, but whichever the way, disintegration in the party cannot be avoided unless the matter is handled with extra caution,” Mr Wakoli said.

The elections are scheduled to begin May 8, but emerging differences over who between Mr Kombo and Mr Walinywa should set the dates is likely to delay the exercise.

Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula has declared interest in the position of party leader after Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa changed tack and is now eying the chairmanship.

Also causing uneasiness ahead of the impending party elections are claims of fake party membership cards in circulation in the larger Bungoma district and other parts of Western Province where Ford-K enjoys mass support.

According to independent sources, most candidates running for top party positions have bought bundles of the cards going for Sh20 each and are distributing them free to woo supporters.

The upcoming election has attracted further confusion. Some members are contemplating moving to court to seek the removal of Mr Walinywa from the elections board based on claims he was fronting for one of the candidates eying a top party post.

But Mr Walinywa told the Sunday Nation that he was qualified for the job, and his past record in public service is clean.

Although Mr Kituyi has not declared interest in vying for any Ford-K top seat, his comeback is causing a lot of discomfort among other party leaders.

The former Kimilili MP says his primary role is to unite party members and ensure that the “lion roars” again ahead of the 2012 General Election.

The return of Mr Kituyi is expected to affect Mr Wetang’ula and Eugene Wamalwa, key contenders who have come out in the open to vie for different party posts.