Cracks are emerging in Ford People following the announcement by its top management led by Chairman Henry Obwocha that it will be joining the newly formed Jubilee Alliance party to form a formidable team ahead of the 2017 polls.
Former Kitutu Masaba MP Mwancha Okioma who has been the party’s points man in the region has allegedly termed the merger debate as 'ridiculous and uncalled for' and urged top leadership to consult widely with party followers.
Speaking at Nyaronge region on Tuesday during a farming seminar, Mr. Okioma noted that dissolving the party would be the beginning of political woes in the region further said that it would be appropriate if they form pre or post elections pacts.
“It’s ridiculous and uncalled for for some of our leaders to announce that we will be joining JAP even without consulting people. That will be a suicidal mistake and it will mark the beginning of the region’s political woes. I will oppose the move and give an alternative of forming pre and post-election pacts with willing coalitions,” he said.
“Ford People is a party that has a following all over. When someone comes up with an idea from nowhere that we join other parties, it is an abuse to the freedom of choice. Let’s remain in the party and build it for political bargains,” he added.
However, Mr. Obwocha said that it was for the best interest of the party to be dissolved to join other major parties for the sake of promoting integration among Kenyan communities.
“I have heard the complaints but I won’t tire in telling those against the idea that the time has come for us to join a major party that represents the interests of all Kenyans. Our decision to join JAP is unstoppable because we have already received blessings from community elders from across Gusii region,” he said when asked about the discontent among party members.