JOHN LONYANGAPUO SENDS A STERN WARNING TO DP RUTO

West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo was on Monday cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)  in Kapenguria  to defend his seat in the August polls.

Governor Lonyangapuo changed his running mate at the last minute after the earlier appointment was said to have not resigned in time.

Speaking later at Chelang’a gardens, Prof. Lonyangapuo picked a former County executive member Luka Chepelion.

“Chepelion had resigned at the right time to vie for the Kapenguria parliamentary seat but they agreed with their colleagues and we stepped aside for them to leave for our other member,” he said.

He faulted their competitors for taking to court the issue over the running mate not resigning on time.

Prof. Lonyangapuo who is the KUP party leader who was clad in party blue attire slammed Deputy President William Ruto and his allies for interfering with West Pokot County politics.

“He must keep off from our politics,” he said.

He said that it was wrong for leaders from outside the County to visit West Pokot County just to abuse leaders and incite locals.

“Let us minimize political noise and groupings. I have asked and written a letter to some of the politicians to stop visiting the County and incite locals.” He said.

He slammed the UDA brigade naming Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Nandi governor Stephen Sang for frequently visiting the County abusing and demeaning other leaders.

“Am a party leader of the Kenya Union Party (KUP) not Uganda Development Association (UDA)” he said.

The Governor said some of the politicians have politicized the security challenge along the border fueling tension and retaliatory attacks.

He accused Deputy President William Ruto for issuing a shoot to kill order in the region.

“I have not gone to Eldoret, Nandi, Turkana or Baringo to play politics. Don’t be fooled by people from outside, West Pokot will not be ruled from outside,” he said.

“Most leaders are looking for bonga points during this electioneering period. You can’t use bonga points to sacrifice people’s lives. Their work is noise and stomachs,” he said.

“I have tried to promote education and fight out illiteracy in the County and set up roads but some people have been taking me to court and calling me a thief that I have misused bursaries,” he said.

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