Elders allied to President William Ruto in Trans Nzoia County have opposed a push by Ford Kenya to front a single gubernatorial candidate for Kenya Kwanza and its affiliate parties ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The elders responded to remarks by Webuye East MP Martin Pepela and other Ford Kenya leaders who urged UDA aspirants Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau and his predecessor Dr. Chris Wamalwa to withdraw and support former Health CS Dr. Susan Nakhumicha in the Trans Nzoia governorship race.
Speaking on behalf of the elders, John Sululu accused Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula of attempting to impose a preferred candidate through political zoning.
“We tell Ford Kenya they cannot impose their will on Trans Nzoia people. We oppose zoning and any attempt to dictate candidates,” said Sululu.
Elder Herman Malavi urged Ford Kenya leaders from Bungoma County to avoid interfering in Trans Nzoia politics, saying voters will choose their own leader.
“As UDA members in Trans Nzoia, we will decide our flagbearer. Trans Nzoia is not an extension of Bungoma,” said Malavi.
The elders urged Ford Kenya to integrate fully into UDA instead of pushing zoning within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“We have capable leaders ready to compete. No one should impose a candidate. Trans Nzoia people must choose freely,” they said.
Ford Kenya member James Wanambisi distanced the party’s grassroots leadership from the zoning debate, saying no official position had been adopted.
“As Ford Kenya members in Trans Nzoia, we were not consulted. No decision on zoning has been made,” he said.
The debate has intensified political activity in Trans Nzoia as parties in the Kenya Kwanza coalition position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the governorship race expected to be highly competitive.
