Bungoma's Ford Kenya MCA has come to the defense of former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetanwura after he implicated him in the demolition of his family's Sh500 million property in the town.
The Wangamati family building was demolished to make way for the restoration of Masinde Muliro Stadium, where this year's Madaraka Day celebrations will be held on June 1.
The former governor claimed that the demolition was orchestrated by political opponents led by Wetan Ura.
Speaking to reporters at Bungoma County Council premises on Thursday, the MCAs, led by Deputy Speaker Stephen Wamalwa (Mitua/Soisambu), defended the demolition, saying it was necessary to make way for the stadium's restoration.
“The former governor should not cry too much because those who have usurped public land should return it to the government. There are many people who lost their shops and they are blaming Wetangula for their evictions. I have never heard of it,” Wamalwa said.
However, the Vice-Chairman suggested that the report of the Land Task Force be submitted to the House of Representatives for scrutiny, saying that there are still wealthy people sitting on public land in Bungo Town.
“When Mr. Wangamati was governor, he selected a special committee, chaired by former Bungo Southern MP Lawrence Sifuna, to go around Bungo city and identify people sitting on public land; “We have prepared a comprehensive report on that,” he said.
Wamalwa said while speaking at an event earlier this year, the former governor called on incumbent Kenneth Lusaka to implement a task force report to ensure the eviction of those occupying public land. Stated.
The second-term ward representative said some of the recommendations in the task force report directed the demolition of businesses belonging to the Wangamati family.
“When the former governor accused Mr. Wetangula of demolishing his own storey building in Kandui market, I wonder why the former governor took measures against the Lusaka governor without even knowing that it would involve him. He is the one who asked us to implement the headquarters' report.''
The Deputy Speaker said Mr Wetangura was one of the victims whose shops were demolished, adding that all 20 buildings on public land had been demolished.
“The ongoing demolition has nothing to do with a political witch hunt. All the shops along the way have been demolished,” he said.
Other Ford Kenya MCAs were also present at the press conference. Jack Wambuluwa (Kimaeti), Meshack Museveni (Mukuyuni), Sudi Busolo (South Bukusu), White Wafula (Nytiri/Kabuyehwe), Balasa Muhongo (Chwere/Kabuchai).
The MCA urged the former governor to wait for the right time to take up political activities.
Addressing reporters at the Bungoma demolition site on Sunday, Wangamati told Wetangula to go after him and not his family.
Mr Wangamati claims Mr Wetangura and Mr Lusaka have pushed him into a corner due to political differences.
Mr Wangamati also claims that the demolition of his Sh500 million in Kandui is due to politics in 2027.
“After analyzing what is happening in Bungo City, I can say without fear of contradiction that this is the politics of 2027 and who will be the governor of 2027,” the former governor said. .
