REPS SIDE WITH AKARANGA AS RACE FOR GOVERNOR'S SEATS STARTS EARLY

Governor Moses Akaranga of the Vihiga county got a boost after UDF members of the county assembly vowed to rally behind him in an effort to consolidate his power base in the county.

The MCAs led by chief whip William Chogo, denounced Vihiga MP Yussuf Chanzu, who has declared that he would challenge Akaranga for the much coveted gubernatorial seat and promised to rally his troops behind the governor.

“We have decided as MCAs that we are going to support Akaranga and work with him to develop the county and improve the lives of our people. I come from Chanzu’s constituency and he belongs to my party but I have decided to support Akaranga because he is the people’s choice and fighting him would only see our people suffer.” said Chongo.

The leaders were speaking at Lwangale PAG church in Sabatia subcounty during a fundsdrive in aid of the church presided over by Nakuru county deputy governor, Joseph Ruto, where Akaranga was also present.

Leader of minority in the assembly Jennifer Ekhuya and her deputy Tom Atingo supported Chogo’s sentiments adding that all MCAs have resolved to work with Akaranga.

They said that they had agreed to put aside their political party differences and forge for unity of purpose with the governor to foster development projects in the county.

Akaranga’s Progressive Party of Kenya does not control the county assembly as Musalia Mudavadi’s UDF party controlling a numerical strength with 25 out of 39 MCAs belonging to Mudavadi’s party.

“Governors have been in the office for close to 19 months and it’s too early to start judging them. Let us support governors to enable them deliver on their promises prior to their election,” said Ekhuya.

Atingo criticised leaders who have embarked on early campaigns for the gubernatorial seat, adding that they were serving their selfish interests at the expense of undermining sitting leaders fulfill promises of their pledges.

“We have seen some leaders in funeral functions declaring their candidature for the governor’s seat. The position is not vacant and they should wait until the time comes,” he added.

Ekhuya and Atingo said they represented Cord MCAs and would not allow Akaranga’s political detractors undermine him on his course to realise the dream of his promises to the electorate.

Chanzu has declared that he would challenge Akaranga for the seat in 2017 general elections and has started traversing the county seeking support from voters.