The Trans Nzoia Magazine

HON. WETANGULA NOW SAYS HE IS READY FOR ELECTIONS MORE THAN EVER.

Ford Kenya party leader has assured Kenyans that the life of the current parliament will not be extended as planned by some of his fellow parliamentarians. Trade minister Moses Wetangula said election date has already been announced by independent electoral and Boundary commission and those skimming to push it are day dreamers.  

Speaking at Kitale hotel during a meeting with Trans-Nzoia County Councilors and candidates aspiring for Turkana County, Trade minister vowed to block any attempt by parliament and IEBC to extend dated of election from March, 14, 2013.

“Kenyans should be ready to cast their votes in March 14, 2013 because the current parliament term ends by January 14”said Wetangula. The Sirisia MP who had been accompanied by a cabinet colleague in-charge of the ministry of Labour and Ford Kenya party chairman Hon John Munyes appealed to Kenyans to register as voters to avoid rush hour culture.

The Party leader asked other presidential hopefuls to stop issuing inflammatory statements that could renew ethnic clashes in the country. He said instead they should engage in peaceful campaigns that will unite Kenyans a head of general elections.

At the same time Wetangula asked parliamentarians to stop politicizing the IEBC tendering matter saying it could spark animosity among Kenyans.  The Trade minister further challenged IEBC commission to be above reproach or suspicion to enable Kenyans build confidence in electoral process.

“Personally and my party have no doubt over the newly constituted electoral and Boundary commission  to handle forth coming general elections since they have demonstrated in recent by-elections a cross the country” said Mr Wetangula.

On proposal of sharing seats on tribal line in Bungomas and Trans-nzoia county the minister supported the move but urged leaders to handle it with care saying it will undermine democracy and deny Kenyans right to elect leaders of their choice.

Speaking during party leaders meeting at Trans-Nzioa County, Ford Kenya party leader said although the constitution recognizes the special group it is important to recognize party’s role and embrace competition.

“Ford Kenya recognizes the special groups but it will be against the constitution and wishes of Kenyans for selfish people to sit in hotel and share seats on tribal basis “said Wetangula.

He appealed to Minorities to go for the seats and stop lamenting attracting fevers and sympathy.

Trade minister asked communities and candidates in Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia County to prepare for competition in various seats. On recent announcement of two rivals working together,  Wetangula emphasized that they have agreed to work together with Wamalwa for the sake of peace and Unity of the Luhya the community

He revealed that Ford Kenya and New Ford Kenya have not formed coalition but consultation were going on soon will make official announcement.

“It is too early to form coalition since our party members have not been consulted on the same, but we have begun the journey and soon will make official position of the two parties “said Wetangula.

He denied claims that their move was aimed at blocking Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi on the race to state house. “We need all leaders from the Luhya community to come together and have one voice to be able to sent one among them to state house “said Ford Kenya Party leader.

But Justice Minister cautioned the big tribes against sweeping all seats saying this would cause conflict in the region. He advised that the elders from various tribes should be involved to oversee the sharing of various posts created by new constitution.

Wamalwa who was addressing civic leaders and church ministers at his residence in Milimani Kitale, asked leaders to find local solution to the long standing conflict in the counties.

“I  am  optimistic that by sharing seats would bring peace, development  and embrace diversity in Bungoma and Trans-nzoia Counties that have witnessed tribal clashes every election year” said Wamalwa.