Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula has issued a response to Mathira Member of Parliament, Rigathi Gachagua, over his remarks regarding the presidential lineup of Kenya Kwanza Alliance in the August 9 polls.
In a statement on his social media on Tuesday, March 1, Wetangula castigated the legislator over his sentiments stating that the alliance was not focused on leadership positions at the moment.
He stated that the Alliance was looking at building their manifesto and the implementation of their economic models rather than the distribution of positions among their principals.
“Kenya Kwanza Alliance is not about sharing positions but service to Kenyans inter alia, revival, and growth of the economy, reduction of the debt nightmare, restoration of dignity to our farmers, creation of an equitable society and other pro-people programs, Wetangula stated.
The statement by Wetangula comes after cracks in the coalition became evident as Gachagua came under sharp criticism for stating that Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi would not be the alliance's presidential candidate or running mate.
In a TV interview on Monday, February 28, Gachagua stated that the alliance was already in agreement that Deputy President William Ruto would be their presidential candidate and that Ruto's running mate would come from Mt Kenya region.
Additionally, the vocal MP and close ally of Ruto claimed that Mudavadi and Wetangula were informed of the prior arrangements of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party before joining forces with them.
"We have our NDC on March 15 to unveil our candidate William Ruto and other things will follow. But as far as I'm concerned, Ruto is our presidential candidate and the running mate will come from the mountain at an appropriate time," he stated.
Gachagua's remarks did not sit well with ANC's leadership, with the party's Secretary-General Simon Gikuru issuing a strongly worded statement, telling off the lawmaker. Gikuru stated that Gachagua, was not entitled to speak for the coalition, further exposing the cracks in the union still at its infancy.
"It is, therefore, our considered opinion that Rigathi Gachagua should transition from regional UDA mindset to embrace the broader picture of Kenya Kwanza philosophy.
"Kenya Kwanza coalition has not decided on its presidential and running mate candidates. This will happen and be unveiled at an appropriate time by our principals Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula," read the statement.
Gachagua is considered one of the favorites to be picked as Ruto's running mate in the event that the candidate is picked from the vote-rich region.
