This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
June 8, 2020, marked the end of an era for Moses Wetangula as Ford Kenya Party Leader. The Registrar of Political Parties has officially gazetted the changes, replacing Wetangula with Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyiny.
Wetangula's ouster is seen as a strategic move by Deputy President William Ruto's opponents, who are determined to weaken his support base ahead of the 2022 Presidential campaigns.
Wetangula's relationship with Ruto had raised eyebrows, particularly after Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, a close ally of the DP, was seen engaging with Ruto. This move was perceived as a blessing from Ruto, further solidifying Wetangula's position as a target for ouster.
As the handshake proponents sensed danger, they acted swiftly. Wamalwa was first ousted as the National Assembly Deputy Minority Whip, and then ODM leader Raila Odinga and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli plotted Wetangula's ouster.
At one point, Wetangula had expressed his intention to run for presidency, but his party members' lack of trust in him has made this ambition seem far-fetched.
