[Trans-Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba. He has been handed a direct nomination by Ford Kenya Party. Courtesy: The Star]

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Trans-Nzoia governor Patrick Khaemba's re-election bid has been handed a major boost following a decision by Ford Kenya Party to hand him a direct nomination ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

The Ford Kenya Party ticket had attracted the interest of three other candidates who were keen to unseat Khaemba.

The three include: Andrew Wanyonyi, John Mutenyo and Moses Khaoya.

In a statement on Thursday, the party's Director of Communications Tim Machi defended the decision to award governor Khaemba the ticket, observing that the party approved resolutions made by the Trans-Nzoia party branch that sought to have Khaemba fly the Ford Kenya flag.

"...among other issues, it sought to pick and field the current governor by consensus...the decision was made to guard the party against a fractious process," he noted.

He further added that the party will engage the other three contestants in a move aimed at solidifying Khaemba's support base.