- Lusaka expressed confidence in Ford Kenya's potential to produce the sixth president after President William Ruth's term ends in 2032.
- He stressed the significance of Ford Kenya youths as the future backbone of the party, particularly in mobilisation and general election campaigns.
Image: HANDOUT
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka on Thursday convened a meeting with Ford Kenya party youths from all nine subcounties of Bungoma County to devise strategies aimed at countering Tawe movement's influence in Western Kenya.
Tawe (Luhya for 'No' or reject), is a slogan by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and is seen by those in Ford Kenya as aimed at decampaigning party leader and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula's prominence as Luhya kingpin in the Western region.
Lusaka expressed concern over continuous attacks on the party leader by the Trans Nzoia governor and asked him to maintain respect in his political remarks.
He said as the Ford Kenya deputy party leader, he has embarked on collaborating with secretary general John Chikati and other party officials to mobilise grassroots support to neutralise Tawe movement's influence in Western region.
"I want to urge Ford Kenya youths and officials to defend the party and dismiss Natembeya's theatrics," he said.
The governor was addressing the youth at the governor's residence in Mapera village, Kimilili constituency.
He stressed the significance of Ford Kenya youths as the future backbone of the party, particularly in mobilisation and general election campaigns.
Lusaka urged the youths to step out of their comfort zones and safeguard the party's future.
He also expressed confidence in Ford Kenya's potential to produce the sixth president after President William Ruth's term ends in 2032.
Lusaka pledged to work with the youth to rejuvenate the party's image and adapt its contemporary trends and expressed gratitude for their vigorous campaign efforts during the last general elections.
While drawing parallels with the rebranding of other parties like UDA, Lusaka encouraged Ford Kenya to modernise its approach to resonate with younger generations.
"I want to urge our youths to champion the party's values and extend its reach at the grassroots level," he said.
The governor also dismissed claims of the party's dissolution saying that the party played a key role in securing Kenya Kwanza victory in last general elections.
Lusaka discouraged Ford Kenya youths from negatively criticising the Bungoma county government on social media and urged them to instead engage in constructive engagement.
He also pledged to involve party youths in climate change programmes funded by the World Bank and invited their participation through group applications.
Additionally, Lusaka promised to involve youths in preparations for and participation in Madaraka Day celebrations, highlighting infrastructure improvements in anticipation of the event.
Bungoma Ford Kenya party chair, William Chiveli, urged youths to remain loyal, respectful and committed party ambassadors, emphasising unity with Trans Nzoia youths to protect the party's interests.
Chiveli affirmed the youths' commitment to safeguarding the party's legacy and resisting external pressures.