The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) on Friday 4th February, 2022, unveiled Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati as their first Governor.
Speaking at the fully-packed Posta Grounds in Bungoma, Party Leader and Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi welcomed Wangamati to the party, saying he is the party’s choice to continue with the County assignments.
Wangamati, who was elected on Ford Kenya ticket against the then incumbent Kenneth Luaka of Jubilee, has ditched his parent party after falling out with Senator Moses Wetang’ula.
The actuarial, together with Mr. Wamunyinyi and Tongaren MP Dr. Eseli Simiyu, plotted a coup against Wetang’ula, a move that ended in favour of the Senator.
The trio, with the help of Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, formed the DAP, a party that has immediately become the darling of many in the region.
“I am here to affirm my support for the DAP-K and will defend my seat on this party’s ticket to complete my good work that I have started for the people of Bungoma,” said Wangamati.
Wangamati also used the opportunity to rue frustrations by Senator Wetang’ula whom he accused of using courts and a number of MCA to slow down his development projects.
“You all know how focused to deliver for the residents of Bungoma but constant sabotage from those haters of development ha been letting me down and this time round, we must send them home.”
Mr. Wamalwa, who has been instrumental in the formation of DAP-K, also drummed support for Wangamati, urging residents to reject leaders who derail development.
The leaders also took a swipe at Wetang’ula and his ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi for joining Deputy President William Ruto’ Kenya Kwaza Alliance, saying their move was selfish without the interest of the residents at heart.
Mr. Wamunyinyi used the opportunity to hint at vying for the Senatorial seat against Wetang’ula in a move that seems to escalate the enmity between the two.
Outgoing Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya who also graced the event, urged residents to re-elect Wangamati, saying changing governors every time is suicidal.
“I am leaving my position as Kakamega Governor after serving my constitutional two terms but leaving behind an admirable development record. The people of Kakamega would not have experienced this if they gave my second term to someone else. You should do the same for Wangamati,” said Oparanya, who is also the Deputy Party Leader for ODM.
Other leaders present included Vihiga Governor Wilber Otichilo, his Busia counterpart Sospeter Ojamoong’, MPs; Godfrey Ososi (Nominated, ANC to DAP), Ayub Savula (Lugari, ANC to DAP), several MCAs and aspirants.
The rally was part of DAP-K’s strategy to popularize the arty across Western Kenya.