Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has finally ditched his parent party, Ford Kenya, to support Raila Odinga’s presidential bid.
In a joint press conference held in Naivasha by 26 Governors drawn from across the country, Governor Wangamati stated that the former Prime Minister is the best choice to continue with the development agenda left by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“I want to join the Council of Governor in supporting H.E Raila Amolo Odinga’s election as the 5th President of the Republic of Kenya,” said the actuarial.
“H.E Raila Odinga is the safest hands that Kenyans need for now.”
Wangamati, who was elected as the second Governor of Bungoma County on Ford Kenya, replacing Kenneth Lusaka in 2017, has been at loggerheads with his party leader and Senator Moses Wetang’ula in a series of court battles that have seen Wetang’ula have the last smile.
Mr. Wangamati, who is seeking to reclaim his gubernatorial seat amid the rising threat from Lusaka, was among the Ford Kenya delegates who staged a coup against Mr. Wetang’ula in May, 2021 at Radisson Hotel, removing him as party leader.
However, Wetang’ula fought his way back through the corridors of courts to reclaim his position as party leader, rendering Wangamati, Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi and then Secretary-General Dr. Eseli Simiyu, frustrated.
Consequently, the trio formed a new outfit, the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) which pauses a good competition to Ford Kenya in the region.
Despite not making public the party he will be defending his seat on, Wangamati openly declared his support for Raila Odinga, just days after Wetang’ula vowed never to back the ODM leader again.
“Raila has betrayed me. I won’t and will never support his presidential bid again,” said Wetang’ula in a press interview last week.
It’s highly expected that Wangamati will vie on the DAP-K despite being approached by ODM to vie on their ticket.
Wangamati also took the opportunity to encourage other leaders supporting Raila Odinga to mobilise massive voter registration, saying it’s the only prime activity to scoop votes for the 4th-time presidential candidate.
Other Governor present included:
- Charity Ngilu – Kitui
- Anne Kananu- Nairobi
- Cyprian Awiti – Homa Bay
- Wycilffe Opranya – Kakamega
- Amos Nyaribo – Nyamira
- James Nyoro – Kiambu
- Francis Kimemia – Nyandarua
- Hassan Ali Joho – Mombasa
- Joseph Ole Lenku -Kajiado
- Martin wambora – Embu
- Ndiritu Mureithi – Laikipia
- Mohammed Kuti – Isiolo
- Lee Kinyanjui – Nakuru
- Alex Tolgos – Elgeyo -Marakwet
- James Ongwae – Kisii
- Cornel Rasanga – Siaya
- Ahmed Boray Arale- Wajir
- Fahim Twaha – Lamu
- Amason Kingi – Kilifi
- Granton Samboja – Taita Taveta
- Wilber Otichillo – Vihiga
- Kivutha Kibwana – Makueni
- Anyang’ Nyong’o – Kisumu
- Dhadho Gaddae Godhana – Tana river
- Ali Korane – Garissa
- Wycliffe Wangamati- Bungoma