Sirisia MP John Waluke’s opponent Moses Nandalwe has held talks with Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Francis Atwoli amid speculation of a looming by-election.
Waluke was found guilty in a KSh 297 million maize scandal want was sentenced to 7 years in prison or pay a fine of KSh 727, 000, 000.
He risks losing his seat should he fail to pay the fine.
Nandalwe, popularly known as Moneybags has been operating under the tutelage Atwoli for a long time.
Nandalwe is rumoured to be keen on taking over the mantle of leadership from Waluke should the sentencing result in a by-election.
Although his meeting with Atwoli elicited speculation of laying plans to succeed the embattled Sirisia MP, Nandalwe was quick to downplay such intentions.
“Atwoli is like my father because he actually adopted me and because today was my birthday he invited me to his home and we walked around, looked after cattle and later enjoyed some nyama choma.
“Politics will come and we will be there to take part, my intention is to be the MP in 2022 but if God wants me to go to parliament before 2022 who I am to refuse,” he said.
But sources privy to the developments intimated that Nandalwe was keen to succeed Waluke and had gone to seek for Atwoli’s hand.
“He likely to be the BBI candidate should there be a by-election and he is keen to get that endorsement.
“He has also been very close to the team led by Governor Oparanya and CS. So in case of a by-election, he will easily get the blessings of Raila and Uhuru and that is what he is pushing for,” said the source.
The 34-year-old law graduate contested for Sirisia parliamentary seat in 2017 on an ODM ticket but lost to Waluke.
He has been carrying out a series of political and charitable activities in Sirisia constituency and Bungoma county at large for the last three years.
The young politician often flies to his rural home in Sirisia and moves around in a fleet of top-of-the-range cars.
