Bungoma: Chaos At FORD Kenya Offices As 2 Factions Clash Over Leadership Positions

• A donation by Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka to Ford Kenya Youth League of the part seems to have divided the officials in the middle
• Two camps emerged, with one aligned with Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, while the other opposed his leadership
• One group attempted to overthrow Lewis Kisaka from his position as the Youth Leader of the Ford Kenya party

Bungoma - A rift has emerged within the leadership of Ford Kenya's youth league in Bungoma County after two opposing factions clashed over leadership positions and party finances.

Tension built up over the weekend when a group of rowdy youth invaded FORD Kenya offices in Bungoma town and disrupted a meeting that had been organised by the current office bearers.

Samuel Juma, the Youth League's treasurer, accused a section of party members of orchestrating a plot to overthrow the current leadership and impose themselves.

"When we arrived at the party headquarters for our meeting with delegates from the sub-counties, we were forcibly prevented from entering by hired thugs," said the party official.

Juma claimed the Saturday dispute was occasioned by a donation of KSh 100, 000 given to the group by Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka to help members start or boost their existing businesses.

The treasurer claimed the disruptive group wanted the money shared equally among members, an idea the office rejected and insisted on banking the monies pending further consultations by members.

He expressed bewilderment at the sudden hostility from their long-time associates, who had been supportive and collaborative for the better part of their stay at the party.

"We won't allow them to dictate to us. We are the legitimate office and will continue conducting party affairs," Juma affirmed.

Within the opposing factions, one camp is aligned with Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, while the other opposes his leadership.

The supporters of the senator said they had removed Lewis Kisaka (Youth Leader of Ford Kenya party), Sophy Chebon (League Secretary), and Juma Samwel (Youth League Treasurer) from their leadership positions.

They cited allegations of fund misappropriation, corruption, and abuse of authority as the basis for their decision to kick out the three officials.

The team announced the installation of new members to lead the Bungoma Youth League.

However, addressing the press on Saturday, Kisaka, the embattled youth leader, insisted that he was in office legally and vowed to face off with his distractors.

He called for the adoption of dialogue and adherence to Ford Kenya party protocols as a means of addressing the concerns of aggrieved members.

"I take this opportunity to warn some elected leaders who are sponsoring anarchy by inciting some of us the current leadership thinking they will just wake up one morning and kick out leaders. It won't happen...We stand against such behaviors that lead to our stagnation and we shall not hesitate singling out such leaders for warning and public consideration,” said Kisaka.